Synthesis and stabilization of cobalt and copper nanoparticles by using Bombyx mori chitosan

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vokhidova, Noira R.; Yugay, Sergei M.; Rashidova, Sayyora Sh.; Yuldashev, Shavkat U.; Igamberdiev, Khusan T.; Yalishev, Vadim Sh.; Kang, Tae Won

2016-10-01

Cobalt and copper nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared by using 2-propanol in the presence of Bombyx mori chitosan to reduce the metals. The structural and the optical measurements show that chitosan molecules prevent the agglomeration and oxidation of the metal nanoparticles. The concentration of chitosan was shown to have a strong influence on the size and the distribution of NPs in a polymeric matrix.

Antibacterial Activity of Polyaniline Coated Silver Nanoparticles Synthesized from Piper Betle Leaves Extract.

PubMed

Mamun Or Rashida, Md; Shafiul Islam, Md; Azizul Haque, Md; Arifur Rahman, Md; Tanvir Hossain, Md; Abdul Hamid, Md

2016-01-01

Plants or natural resources have been found to be a good alternative method for nanoparticles synthesis. In this study, polyaniline coated silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) synthesized from Piper betle leaves extract were investigated for their antibacterial activity. Silver nanoparticles were prepared from the reduction of silver nitrate and NaBH4 was used as reducing agent. Silver nanoparticles and extracts were mixed thoroughly and then coated by polyaniline. Prepared nanoparticles were characterized by Visual inspection, Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV), Fourier transform infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) techniques. Antibacterial activities of the synthesized silver nanoparticles were tested against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Salmonella typhi ATCC 14028, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853. UV-Vis spectrum of reaction mixture showed strong absorption peak with centering at 400 nm. The FT-IR results imply that Ag-NPs were successfully synthesized and capped with bio-compounds present in P. betle. TEM image showed that Ag-NPs formed were well dispersed with a spherical structures and particle size ranging from 10 to 30 nm. The result revealed that Ag-Extract NPs showed 32.78±0.64 mm zone of inhibition against S. aureus, whereas norfloxacin (positive control) showed maximum 32.15±0.40 mm zone of inhibition for S. aureus. Again, maximum zone of inhibition 29.55±0.45 mm was found for S. typhi, 27.12±0.38 mm for E. coli and 21.95±0.45 mm for P. aeruginosa. The results obtained by this study can't be directly extrapolated to human; so further studies should be undertaken to established the strong antimicrobial activity of Ag-Extract NPs for drug development program.

Antibacterial Activity of Polyaniline Coated Silver Nanoparticles Synthesized from Piper Betle Leaves Extract

PubMed Central

Mamun Or Rashida, Md.; Shafiul Islam, Md.; Azizul Haque, Md.; Arifur Rahman, Md.; Tanvir Hossain, Md.; Abdul Hamid, Md.

2016-01-01

Plants or natural resources have been found to be a good alternative method for nanoparticles synthesis. In this study, polyaniline coated silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) synthesized from Piper betle leaves extract were investigated for their antibacterial activity. Silver nanoparticles were prepared from the reduction of silver nitrate and NaBH4 was used as reducing agent. Silver nanoparticles and extracts were mixed thoroughly and then coated by polyaniline. Prepared nanoparticles were characterized by Visual inspection, Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV), Fourier transform infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) techniques. Antibacterial activities of the synthesized silver nanoparticles were tested against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Salmonella typhi ATCC 14028, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853. UV–Vis spectrum of reaction mixture showed strong absorption peak with centering at 400 nm. The FT-IR results imply that Ag-NPs were successfully synthesized and capped with bio-compounds present in P. betle. TEM image showed that Ag-NPs formed were well dispersed with a spherical structures and particle size ranging from 10 to 30 nm. The result revealed that Ag-Extract NPs showed 32.78±0.64 mm zone of inhibition against S. aureus, whereas norfloxacin (positive control) showed maximum 32.15±0.40 mm zone of inhibition for S. aureus. Again, maximum zone of inhibition 29.55±0.45 mm was found for S. typhi, 27.12±0.38 mm for E. coli and 21.95±0.45 mm for P. aeruginosa. The results obtained by this study can’t be directly extrapolated to human; so further studies should be undertaken to established the strong antimicrobial activity of Ag-Extract NPs for drug development program. PMID:27642330

Highly stable noble-metal nanoparticles in tetraalkylphosphonium ionic liquids for in situ catalysis.

PubMed

Banerjee, Abhinandan; Theron, Robin; Scott, Robert W J

2012-01-09

Gold and palladium nanoparticles were prepared by lithium borohydride reduction of the metal salt precursors in tetraalkylphosphonium halide ionic liquids in the absence of any organic solvents or external nanoparticle stabilizers. These colloidal suspensions remained stable and showed no nanoparticle agglomeration over many months. A combination of electrostatic interactions between the coordinatively unsaturated metal nanoparticle surface and the ionic-liquid anions, bolstered by steric protection offered by the bulky alkylated phosphonium cations, is likely to be the reason behind such stabilization. The halide anion strongly absorbs to the nanoparticle surface, leading to exceptional nanoparticle stability in halide ionic liquids; other tetraalkylphosphonium ionic liquids with non-coordinating anions, such as tosylate and hexafluorophosphate, show considerably lower affinities towards the stabilization of nanoparticles. Palladium nanoparticles stabilized in the tetraalkylphosphonium halide ionic liquid were stable, efficient, and recyclable catalysts for a variety of hydrogenation reactions at ambient pressures with sustained activity. Aerial oxidation of the metal nanoparticles occurred over time and was readily reversed by re-reduction of oxidized metal salts. Copyright © 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Fiber temperature sensor with nanostructured cladding by TiO2 nanoparticles self-assembled onto a side polished optical fiber

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Bing; Chen, Zhe; Wang, Yiting; Zhang, Jun; Liao, Guozhen; Tian, Zhengwen; Yu, Jianhui; Tang, Jieyuan; Luo, Yunhan; Lu, Huihui

2015-07-01

A temperature fiber sensor with nanostructured cladding composed ted by titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles was demonstrated. The nanoparticles self-assembled onto a side polished optical fiber (SPF). The enhancement of interaction between the propagating light and the TiO2 nanoparticles (TN) can be obtained via strong evanescent field of the SPF. The strong light-TN interaction gives rise to temperature sensing with a optical power variation of ~4dB in SPF experimentally for an environment temperature ranging from -7.8°C to 77.6°C. The novel temperature sensor shows a sensitivity of ~0.044 dB/°C. The TN-based fiber-optic temperature sensor is facile to manufactured, compatible with fiber-optic interconnections and high potential in photonics applications.

Thermally induced hydrosilylation at deuterium-terminated silicon nanoparticles: an investigation of the radical chain propagation mechanism.

PubMed

Holm, Jason; Roberts, Jeffrey T

2009-06-16

Isotopic labeling techniques were employed to study alkene addition to hydrogen- and deuterium-terminated silicon nanoparticles. Deuterium-terminated silicon nanoparticle synthesis is described, as is the characterization of fresh deuterium-terminated particles by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and in situ Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Particles were refluxed in pure 1-dodecene and subsequently characterized by FTIR and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. (1)H NMR results showed features consistent with dodecyl-terminated nanoparticles. Infrared absorption spectra of refluxed particles showed strong evidence of new C-D bond formation, which is consistent with a radical chain mechanism for alkene addition by hydrosilylation.

Spectral Selectivity of Plasmonic Interactions between Individual Up-Converting Nanocrystals and Spherical Gold Nanoparticles.

PubMed

Piątkowski, Dawid; Schmidt, Mikołaj K; Twardowska, Magdalena; Nyk, Marcin; Aizpurua, Javier; Maćkowski, Sebastian

2017-08-04

We experimentally demonstrate strong spectral selectivity of plasmonic interaction that occurs between α-NaYF₄:Er 3+ /Yb 3+ nanocrystals, which feature two emission bands, and spherical gold nanoparticles, with plasmon frequency resonant with one of the emission bands. Spatially-resolved luminescence intensity maps acquired for individual nanocrystals, together with microsecond luminescence lifetime images, show two qualitatively different effects that result from the coupling between plasmon excitations in metallic nanoparticles and emitting states of the nanocrystals. On the one hand, we observe nanocrystals, whose emission intensity is strongly enhanced for both resonant and non-resonant bands with respect to the plasmon resonance. Importantly, this increase is accompanied with shortening of luminescence decays times. In contrast, a significant number of nanocrystals exhibits almost complete quenching of the emission resonant with the plasmon resonance of gold nanoparticles. Theoretical analysis indicates that such an effect can occur for emitters placed at distances of about 5 nm from gold nanoparticles. While under these conditions, both transitions experience significant increases of the radiative emission rates due to the Purcell effect, the non-radiative energy transfer between resonant bands results in strong quenching, which in that situation nullifies the enhancement.

Gold and silver nanoparticles from Trianthema decandra: synthesis, characterization, and antimicrobial properties

PubMed Central

Geethalakshmi, R; Sarada, DVL

2012-01-01

Background There is an increasing commercial demand for nanoparticles due to their wide applicability in various markets, including medicine, catalysis, electronics, chemistry, and energy. In this report, a simple and ecofriendly chemical reaction for the synthesis of gold and silver nanoparticles from Trianthema decandra (Aizoaceae) has been developed. Methods and results On treatment of aqueous solutions containing chloroauric acid or silver nitrate with root extract of T. decandra, stable gold or silver nanoparticles were rapidly formed. The kinetics of reduction of gold and silver ions during the reaction was analyzed by ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy. Field emission-scanning electron microscopy showed formation of gold nanoparticles in various shapes, including spherical, cubical, triangular, and hexagonal, while silver nanoparticles were spherical. The size of the gold nanoparticles was 33–65 nm and that of the silver nanoparticles was 36–74 nm. Energy dispersive x-ray and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the presence of metallic gold and metallic silver in the respective nanoparticles. The antimicrobial properties of the synthesized nanoparticles were analyzed using the Kirby-Bauer method. The results show varied susceptibility of microorganisms to the gold and silver nanoparticles. Conclusion It is believed that phytochemicals present in T. decandra extract reduce the silver and gold ions into metallic nanoparticles. This strategy reduces the cost of production and the environmental impact. The silver and gold nanoparticles formed showed strong activity against all microorganisms tested. PMID:23091381

Biosynthesis of Cr(III) nanoparticles from electroplating wastewater using chromium-resistant Bacillus subtilis and its cytotoxicity and antibacterial activity.

PubMed

Kanakalakshmi, A; Janaki, V; Shanthi, K; Kamala-Kannan, S

2017-11-01

The aim of this study was to synthesize and characterize Cr(III) nanoparticles using wastewater from electroplating industries and chromium-resistant Bacillus subtilis. Formation of Cr(III) nanoparticles was confirmed by UV-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy at 300 nm. The size of the nanoparticles varied from 4 to 50 nm and energy dispersive spectroscopy profile shows strong Cr peak approximately at 4.45 and 5.2 keV. The nanoparticles inhibited the growth of pathogenic bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The cytotoxic effect of the synthesized Cr(III) nanoparticle was studied using HEK 293 cells, and the cell viability was found to decrease with increasing concentration of Cr(III) nanoparticles.

Vertical plasmonic nanowires for 3D nanoparticle trapping

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Jingzhi; Gan, Xiaosong

2011-12-01

Nanoparticle trapping is considered to be more challenging than trapping micron-sized objects because of the diffraction limit of light and the severe Brownian motion of the nanoparticles. We introduce a nanoparticle trapping approach based on plasmonic nanostructures, which consist of nanopillars with high aspect ratio. The plasmonic nanopillars behave as plasmonic resonators that rely on paired nano-pillars supporting gap plasmon modes. The localized surface plasmon resonance effect provides strong electromagnetic field enhancement and enables confinement of nanoparticles in three dimensional space. Numerical simulations indicate that the plasmonic structure provides stronger optical forces for trapping nanoparticles. The study of thermal effect of the plasmonic structure shows that the impact of the thermal force is significant, which may determine the outcome of the nanoparticle trapping.

Cellulase immobilization on magnetic nanoparticles encapsulated in polymer nanospheres.

PubMed

Lima, Janaina S; Araújo, Pedro H H; Sayer, Claudia; Souza, Antonio A U; Viegas, Alexandre C; de Oliveira, Débora

2017-04-01

Immobilization of cellulases on magnetic nanoparticles, especially magnetite nanoparticles, has been the main approach studied to make this enzyme, economically and industrially, more attractive. However, magnetite nanoparticles tend to agglomerate, are very reactive and easily oxidized in air, which has strong impact on their useful life. Thus, it is very important to provide proper surface coating to avoid the mentioned problems. This study aimed to investigate the immobilization of cellulase on magnetic nanoparticles encapsulated in polymeric nanospheres. The support was characterized in terms of morphology, average diameter, magnetic behavior and thermal decomposition analyses. The polymer nanospheres containing encapsulated magnetic nanoparticles showed superparamagnetic behavior and intensity average diameter about 150 nm. Immobilized cellulase exhibited broader temperature stability than in the free form and great reusability capacity, 69% of the initial enzyme activity was maintained after eight cycles of use. The magnetic support showed potential for cellulase immobilization and allowed fast and easy biocatalyst recovery through a single magnet.

Synthesis and structural, optical and thermal properties of CdS:Zn2+ nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Muruganandam, S.; Anbalagan, G.; Murugadoss, G.

2014-12-01

Undoped and Zn (1-5, 10 %) -doped CdS nanoparticles were successfully synthesized by chemical method and polyvinylpyrrolidone was used as capping agent. The morphology and crystalline structure of the samples were studied by transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The average particle size of the spherical nanoparticles determined by these techniques was of the order of 2.5-6 nm. The functional groups of the capping agent on CdS:Zn2+ surface were identified by FT-IR study. The band gap of the nanoparticles was calculated using UV-visible absorption spectra and the result showed that the band gap values were dramatically blue shifted from the bulk CdS. The optimum concentration of the doping ions was selected through absorption study. Photoluminescence of the CdS:Zn2+ nanoparticle showed strong blue and green emission. The thermal properties of the nanoparticles were analyzed by thermogravimetric-differential thermal analysis.

Diamond, graphite, and graphene oxide nanoparticles decrease migration and invasiveness in glioblastoma cell lines by impairing extracellular adhesion

PubMed Central

Wierzbicki, Mateusz; Jaworski, Sławomir; Kutwin, Marta; Grodzik, Marta; Strojny, Barbara; Kurantowicz, Natalia; Zdunek, Krzysztof; Chodun, Rafał; Chwalibog, André; Sawosz, Ewa

2017-01-01

The highly invasive nature of glioblastoma is one of the most significant problems regarding the treatment of this tumor. Diamond nanoparticles (ND), graphite nanoparticles (NG), and graphene oxide nanoplatelets (nGO) have been explored for their biomedical applications, especially for drug delivery. The objective of this research was to assess changes in the adhesion, migration, and invasiveness of two glioblastoma cell lines, U87 and U118, after ND, NG, and nGO treatment. All treatments affected the cell surface structure, adhesion-dependent EGFR/AKT/mTOR, and β-catenin signaling pathways, decreasing the migration and invasiveness of both glioblastoma cell lines. The examined nanoparticles did not show strong toxicity but effectively deregulated cell migration. ND was effectively taken up by cells, whereas nGO and NG strongly interacted with the cell surface. These results indicate that nanoparticles could be used in biomedical applications as a low toxicity active compound for glioblastoma treatment. PMID:29042773

Diamond, graphite, and graphene oxide nanoparticles decrease migration and invasiveness in glioblastoma cell lines by impairing extracellular adhesion.

PubMed

Wierzbicki, Mateusz; Jaworski, Sławomir; Kutwin, Marta; Grodzik, Marta; Strojny, Barbara; Kurantowicz, Natalia; Zdunek, Krzysztof; Chodun, Rafał; Chwalibog, André; Sawosz, Ewa

2017-01-01

The highly invasive nature of glioblastoma is one of the most significant problems regarding the treatment of this tumor. Diamond nanoparticles (ND), graphite nanoparticles (NG), and graphene oxide nanoplatelets (nGO) have been explored for their biomedical applications, especially for drug delivery. The objective of this research was to assess changes in the adhesion, migration, and invasiveness of two glioblastoma cell lines, U87 and U118, after ND, NG, and nGO treatment. All treatments affected the cell surface structure, adhesion-dependent EGFR/AKT/mTOR, and β-catenin signaling pathways, decreasing the migration and invasiveness of both glioblastoma cell lines. The examined nanoparticles did not show strong toxicity but effectively deregulated cell migration. ND was effectively taken up by cells, whereas nGO and NG strongly interacted with the cell surface. These results indicate that nanoparticles could be used in biomedical applications as a low toxicity active compound for glioblastoma treatment.

Hydration Repulsion between Carbohydrate Surfaces Mediated by Temperature and Specific Ions

PubMed Central

Chen, Hsieh; Cox, Jason R.; Ow, Hooisweng; Shi, Rena; Panagiotopoulos, Athanassios Z.

2016-01-01

Stabilizing colloids or nanoparticles in solution involves a fine balance between surface charges, steric repulsion of coating molecules, and hydration forces against van der Waals attractions. At high temperature and electrolyte concentrations, the colloidal stability of suspensions usually decreases rapidly. Here, we report a new experimental and simulation discovery that the polysaccharide (dextran) coated nanoparticles show ion-specific colloidal stability at high temperature, where we observed enhanced colloidal stability of nanoparticles in CaCl2 solution but rapid nanoparticle-nanoparticle aggregation in MgCl2 solution. The microscopic mechanism was unveiled in atomistic simulations. The presence of surface bound Ca2+ ions increases the carbohydrate hydration and induces strongly polarized repulsive water structures beyond at least three hydration shells which is farther-reaching than previously assumed. We believe leveraging the binding of strongly hydrated ions to macromolecular surfaces represents a new paradigm in achieving absolute hydration and colloidal stability for a variety of materials, particularly under extreme conditions. PMID:27334145

Hydration Repulsion between Carbohydrate Surfaces Mediated by Temperature and Specific Ions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Hsieh; Cox, Jason R.; Ow, Hooisweng; Shi, Rena; Panagiotopoulos, Athanassios Z.

2016-06-01

Stabilizing colloids or nanoparticles in solution involves a fine balance between surface charges, steric repulsion of coating molecules, and hydration forces against van der Waals attractions. At high temperature and electrolyte concentrations, the colloidal stability of suspensions usually decreases rapidly. Here, we report a new experimental and simulation discovery that the polysaccharide (dextran) coated nanoparticles show ion-specific colloidal stability at high temperature, where we observed enhanced colloidal stability of nanoparticles in CaCl2 solution but rapid nanoparticle-nanoparticle aggregation in MgCl2 solution. The microscopic mechanism was unveiled in atomistic simulations. The presence of surface bound Ca2+ ions increases the carbohydrate hydration and induces strongly polarized repulsive water structures beyond at least three hydration shells which is farther-reaching than previously assumed. We believe leveraging the binding of strongly hydrated ions to macromolecular surfaces represents a new paradigm in achieving absolute hydration and colloidal stability for a variety of materials, particularly under extreme conditions.

Plasmonic silicon solar cells: impact of material quality and geometry.

PubMed

Pahud, Celine; Isabella, Olindo; Naqavi, Ali; Haug, Franz-Josef; Zeman, Miro; Herzig, Hans Peter; Ballif, Christophe

2013-09-09

We study n-i-p amorphous silicon solar cells with light-scattering nanoparticles in the back reflector. In one configuration, the particles are fully embedded in the zinc oxide buffer layer; In a second configuration, the particles are placed between the buffer layer and the flat back electrode. We use stencil lithography to produce the same periodic arrangement of the particles and we use the same solar cell structure on top, thus establishing a fair comparison between a novel plasmonic concept and its more traditional counterpart. Both approaches show strong resonances around 700 nm in the external quantum efficiency the position and intensity of which vary strongly with the nanoparticle shape. Moreover, disagreement between simulations and our experimental results suggests that the dielectric data of bulk silver do not correctly represent the reality. A better fit is obtained by introducing a porous interfacial layer between the silver and zinc oxide. Without the interfacial layer, e.g. by improved processing of the nanoparticles, our simulations show that the nanoparticles concept could outperform traditional back reflectors.

Structural characterization, antibacterial and catalytic effect of iron oxide nanoparticles synthesised using the leaf extract of Cynometra ramiflora

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Groiss, Silvia; Selvaraj, Raja; Varadavenkatesan, Thivaharan; Vinayagam, Ramesh

2017-01-01

In the present investigation, the leaf extract of Cynometra ramiflora was used to synthesize iron oxide nanoparticles. Within minutes of adding iron sulphate to the leaf extract, iron oxide nanoparticles were formed and thus, the method is very simple and fast. UV-VIS spectra showed the strong absorption band in the visible region. SEM images showed discrete spherical shaped particles and EDS spectra confirmed the iron and oxygen presence. The XRD results depicted the crystalline structure of iron oxide nanoparticles. FT-IR spectra portrayed the existence of functional groups of phytochemicals which are probably involved in the formation and stabilization of nanoparticles. The iron oxide nanoparticles exhibited effective inhibition against E. coli and S. epidermidis which may find its applications in the antibacterial drug development. Furthermore, the catalytic activity of the nanoparticles as Fenton-like catalyst was successfully investigated for the degradation of Rhodamine-B dye. This outcome could play a prominent role in the wastewater treatment.

Palladium Nanoparticle-Loaded Cellulose Paper: A Highly Efficient, Robust, and Recyclable Self-Assembled Composite Catalytic System.

PubMed

Zheng, Guangchao; Kaefer, Katharina; Mourdikoudis, Stefanos; Polavarapu, Lakshminarayana; Vaz, Belén; Cartmell, Samantha E; Bouleghlimat, Azzedine; Buurma, Niklaas J; Yate, Luis; de Lera, Ángel R; Liz-Marzán, Luis M; Pastoriza-Santos, Isabel; Pérez-Juste, Jorge

2015-01-15

We present a novel strategy based on the immobilization of palladium nanoparticles (Pd NPs) on filter paper for development of a catalytic system with high efficiency and recyclability. Oleylamine-capped Pd nanoparticles, dispersed in an organic solvent, strongly adsorb on cellulose filter paper, which shows a great ability to wick fluids due to its microfiber structure. Strong van der Waals forces and hydrophobic interactions between the particles and the substrate lead to nanoparticle immobilization, with no desorption upon further immersion in any solvent. The prepared Pd NP-loaded paper substrates were tested for several model reactions such as the oxidative homocoupling of arylboronic acids, the Suzuki cross-coupling reaction, and nitro-to-amine reduction, and they display efficient catalytic activity and excellent recyclability and reusability. This approach of using NP-loaded paper substrates as reusable catalysts is expected to open doors for new types of catalytic support for practical applications.

Fine-Tuning the Antimicrobial Profile of Biocompatible Gold Nanoparticles by Sequential Surface Functionalization Using Polyoxometalates and Lysine

PubMed Central

Daima, Hemant K.; Selvakannan, P. R.; Shukla, Ravi; Bhargava, Suresh K.; Bansal, Vipul

2013-01-01

Antimicrobial action of nanomaterials is typically assigned to the nanomaterial composition, size and/or shape, whereas influence of complex corona stabilizing the nanoparticle surface is often neglected. We demonstrate sequential surface functionalization of tyrosine-reduced gold nanoparticles (AuNPsTyr) with polyoxometalates (POMs) and lysine to explore controlled chemical functionality-driven antimicrobial activity. Our investigations reveal that highly biocompatible gold nanoparticles can be tuned to be a strong antibacterial agent by fine-tuning their surface properties in a controllable manner. The observation from the antimicrobial studies on a gram negative bacterium Escherichia coli were further validated by investigating the anticancer properties of these step-wise surface-controlled materials against A549 human lung carcinoma cells, which showed a similar toxicity pattern. These studies highlight that the nanomaterial toxicity and biological applicability are strongly governed by their surface corona. PMID:24147146

Fine-tuning the antimicrobial profile of biocompatible gold nanoparticles by sequential surface functionalization using polyoxometalates and lysine.

PubMed

Daima, Hemant K; Selvakannan, P R; Shukla, Ravi; Bhargava, Suresh K; Bansal, Vipul

2013-01-01

Antimicrobial action of nanomaterials is typically assigned to the nanomaterial composition, size and/or shape, whereas influence of complex corona stabilizing the nanoparticle surface is often neglected. We demonstrate sequential surface functionalization of tyrosine-reduced gold nanoparticles (AuNPs(Tyr)) with polyoxometalates (POMs) and lysine to explore controlled chemical functionality-driven antimicrobial activity. Our investigations reveal that highly biocompatible gold nanoparticles can be tuned to be a strong antibacterial agent by fine-tuning their surface properties in a controllable manner. The observation from the antimicrobial studies on a gram negative bacterium Escherichia coli were further validated by investigating the anticancer properties of these step-wise surface-controlled materials against A549 human lung carcinoma cells, which showed a similar toxicity pattern. These studies highlight that the nanomaterial toxicity and biological applicability are strongly governed by their surface corona.

Counter-rotating effects and entanglement dynamics in strongly coupled quantum-emitter-metallic-nanoparticle structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Iliopoulos, Nikos; Thanopulos, Ioannis; Yannopapas, Vassilios; Paspalakis, Emmanuel

2018-03-01

We study the spontaneous emission of a two-level quantum emitter next to a plasmonic nanoparticle beyond the Markovian approximation and the rotating-wave approximation (RWA) by combining quantum dynamics and classical electromagnetic calculations. For emitters with decay times in the picosecond to nanosecond time regime, as well as located at distances from the nanoparticle up to its radius, the dynamics with and without the RWA and the transition from the non-Markovian to the Markovian regime are investigated. For emitters with longer decay times, the Markov approximation proves to be adequate for distances larger than half the nanoparticle radius. However, the RWA is correct for all distances of the emitter from the nanoparticle. For short decay time emitters, the Markov approximation and RWA are both inadequate, with only the RWA becoming valid again at a distance larger than half the nanoparticle radius. We also show that the entanglement dynamics of two initially entangled qubits interacting independently with the nanoparticle may have a strong non-Markovian character when counter-rotating effects are included. Interesting effects such as entanglement sudden death, periodic entanglement revival, entanglement oscillations, and entanglement trapping are further observed when different initial two-qubit states and different distances between the qubit and the nanoparticle are considered.

Study of iron oxide nanoparticles in soil for remediation of arsenic

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shipley, Heather J.; Engates, Karen E.; Guettner, Allison M.

2011-06-01

There is a growing interest in the use of nanoparticles for environmental applications due to their unique physical and chemical properties. One possible application is the removal of contaminants from water. In this study, the use of iron oxide nanoparticles (19.3 nm magnetite and 37.0 nm hematite) were examined to remove arsenate and arsenite through column studies. The columns contained 1.5 or 15 wt% iron oxide nanoparticles and soil. Arsenic experiments were conducted with 1.5 wt% iron oxides at 1.5 and 6 mL/h with initial arsenate and arsenite concentrations of 100 μg/L. Arsenic release occurred after 400 PV, and 100% release was reached. A long-term study was conducted with 15 wt% magnetite nanoparticles in soil at 0.3 mL/h with an initial arsenate concentration of 100 μg/L. A negligible arsenate concentration occurred for 3559.6 pore volumes (PVs) (132.1 d). Eventually, the arsenate concentration reached about 20% after 9884.1 PV (207.9 d). A retardation factor of about 6742 was calculated indicating strong adsorption of arsenic to the magnetite nanoparticles in the column. Also, increased adsorption was observed after flow interruption. Other experiments showed that arsenic and 12 other metals (V, Cr, Co, Mn, Se, Mo, Cd, Pb, Sb, Tl, Th, U) could be simultaneously removed by the iron oxide nanoparticles in soil. Effluent concentrations were less than 10% for six out of the 12 metals. Desorption experiment showed partial irreversible sorption of arsenic to the iron oxide nanoparticle surface. Strong adsorption, large retardation factor, and resistant desorption suggest that magnetite and hematite nanoparticles have the potential to be used to remove arsenic in sandy soil possibly through in situ techniques.

Polycrystalline Si nanoparticles and their strong aging enhancement of blue photoluminescence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Shikuan; Cai, Weiping; Zeng, Haibo; Li, Zhigang

2008-07-01

Nearly spherical polycrystalline Si nanoparticles with 20 nm diameter were fabricated based on laser ablation of silicon wafer immersed in sodium dodecyl sulfate aqueous solution. Such Si nanoparticles consist of disordered areas and ultrafine grains of 3 nm in mean size and exhibit significant photoluminescence in blue region. Importantly, aging at ambient air leads to continuing enhancement of the emission (more than 130 times higher in 16 weeks) showing stable and strong blue emission. This aging enhancement is attributed to progressive passivation of nonradiative Pb centers corresponding to silicon dangling bonds on the particles' surface. This study could be helpful in pushing Si into optoelectronic field and Si-based full color display, biomedical tagging, and flash memories.

Hepatoprotective effect of engineered silver nanoparticles coated bioactive compounds against diethylnitrosamine induced hepatocarcinogenesis in experimental mice.

PubMed

Prasannaraj, Govindaraj; Venkatachalam, Perumal

2017-02-01

Nanoparticle based drug delivery can rapidly improves the therapeutic potential of anti-cancer agents. The present study focused to evaluate the hepatoprotective activity of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) synthesized using aqueous extracts of Andrographis paniculata leaves (ApAgNPs) and Semecarpus anacardium nuts (SaAgNPs) against diethylnitrosamine (DEN) induced liver cancer in mice model. The physico-chemical properties of synthesized AgNPs were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Selected Area Electron Diffraction (SAED), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectrum, Zeta potential and Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) analysis. The surface plasmon resonance (SPR) absorption spectrum revealed a strong peak at 420nm for both SaAgNPs and ApAgNPs. FTIR results exhibited the presence of possible functional groups in the synthesized AgNPs. TEM analysis determined the hexagonal, and spherical shape of the synthesized silver nanoparticles. The XRD and SAED pattern confirmed the crystalline nature and crystalline size of the AgNPs. EDX result clearly showed strong silver signals in the range between 2 and 4keV. Zeta potential measurements indicated a sharp peak at -3.93 and -13.8mV for ApAgNPs and SaAgNPs, respectively. DLS measurement expressed the particle size distribution was 70 and 60nm for ApAgNPs and SaAgNPs, respectively. DEN (20mg/kg b.wt.) was subjected to induce liver cancer in mice for 8weeks and treated with biosynthesized silver nanoparticles. Interestingly, ApAgNPs and SaAgNPs treated DEN induced animal groups show a decreased level of aspartate amino transferase (AST), alanine amino transferase (ALT), serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT), serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT) activity and elevated level of catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione S-transferase (GST) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity over untreated DEN control animals group. Histopathological investigation reveals decreased fat accumulation, appearance of binucleated cells in nanoparticle treated animals and showed mere normal cells induced by DEN. Argyrophilic nucleolar organiser region (AgNORs) had a significant decrease in number of acidic proteins and mast cells assay showed decrease of metachromatic cells in nanoparticles treated animal groups over control. Present results strongly suggest that biomolecule coated silver nanoparticles exposure showed potential hepatoprotective effect against DEN induced liver cancer and could be used as an effective anticancer nanodrug. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Catharanthus roseus: a natural source for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles

PubMed Central

Mukunthan, KS; Elumalai, EK; Patel, Trupti N; Murty, V Ramachandra

2011-01-01

Objective To develop a simple rapid procedure for bioreduction of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using aqueous leaves extracts of Catharanthus roseus (C. roseus). Methods Characterization were determined by using UV-Vis spectrophotometry, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray and X-ray diffraction. Results SEM showed the formation of silver nanoparticles with an average size of 67 nm to 48 nm. X-ray diffraction analysis showed that the particles were crystalline in nature with face centered cubic geometry. Conclusions C. roseus demonstrates strong potential for synthesis of silver nanoparticles by rapid reduction of silver ions (Ag+ to Ag0). This study provides evidence for developing large scale commercial production of value-added products for biomedical/nanotechnology-based industries. PMID:23569773

Effects of cross-linking on partitioning of nanoparticles into a polymer brush: Coarse-grained simulations test simple approximate theories

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ozmaian, Masoumeh; Jasnow, David; Eskandari Nasrabad, Afshin; Zilman, Anton; Coalson, Rob D.

2018-01-01

The effect of cohesive contacts or, equivalently, dynamical cross-linking on the equilibrium morphology of a polymer brush infiltrated by nanoparticles that are attracted to the polymer strands is studied for plane-grafted brushes using coarse-grained molecular dynamics and approximate statistical mechanical models. In particular, the Alexander-de Gennes (AdG) and Strong Stretching Theory (SST) mean-field theory (MFT) models are considered. It is found that for values of the MFT cross-link strength interaction parameter beyond a certain threshold, both AdG and SST models predict that the polymer brush will be in a compact state of nearly uniform density packed next to the grafting surface over a wide range of solution phase nanoparticle concentrations. Coarse grained molecular dynamics simulations confirm this prediction, for both small nanoparticles (nanoparticle volume = monomer volume) and large nanoparticles (nanoparticle volume = 27 × monomer volume). Simulation results for these cross-linked systems are compared with analogous results for systems with no cross-linking. At the same solution phase nanoparticle concentration, strong cross-linking results in additional compression of the brush relative to the non-crosslinked analog and, at all but the lowest concentrations, to a lesser degree of infiltration by nanoparticles. For large nanoparticles, the monomer density profiles show clear oscillations moving outwards from the grafting surface, corresponding to a degree of layering of the absorbed nanoparticles in the brush as they pack against the grafting surface.

Ultrasmall water-soluble metal-iron oxide nanoparticles as T1-weighted contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging.

PubMed

Zeng, Leyong; Ren, Wenzhi; Zheng, Jianjun; Cui, Ping; Wu, Aiguo

2012-02-28

Using an improved hydrolysis method of inorganic salts assisted with water-bath incubation, ultrasmall water-soluble metal-iron oxide nanoparticles (including Fe(3)O(4), ZnFe(2)O(4) and NiFe(2)O(4) nanoparticles) were synthesized in aqueous solutions, which were used as T(1)-weighted contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The morphology, structure, MRI relaxation properties and cytotoxicity of the as-prepared metal-iron oxide nanoparticles were characterized, respectively. The results showed that the average sizes of nanoparticles were about 4 nm, 4 nm and 5 nm for Fe(3)O(4), ZnFe(2)O(4) and NiFe(2)O(4) nanoparticles, respectively. Moreover, the nanoparticles have good water dispersibility and low cytotoxicity. The MRI test showed the strong T(1)-weighted, but the weak T(2)-weighted MRI performance of metal-iron oxide nanoparticles. The high T(1)-weighted MRI performance can be attributed to the ultrasmall size of metal-iron oxide nanoparticles. Therefore, the as-prepared metal-iron oxide nanoparticles with good water dispersibility and ultrasmall size can have potential applications as T(1)-weighted contrast agent materials for MRI.

Synthesis and immobilization of silver nanoparticles on aluminosilicate nanotubes and their antibacterial properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ipek Yucelen, G.; Connell, Rachel E.; Terbush, Jessica R.; Westenberg, David J.; Dogan, Fatih

2016-04-01

A novel colloidal method is presented to synthesize silver nanoparticles on aluminosilicate nanotubes. The technique involves decomposition of AgNO3 solution to Ag nanoparticles in the presence of aluminosilicate nanotubes at room temperature without utilizing of reducing agents or any organic additives. Aluminosilicate nanotubes are shown to be capable of providing a unique chemical environment, not only for in situ conversion of Ag+ into Ag0, but also for stabilization and immobilization of Ag nanoparticles. The synthesis strategy described here could be implemented to obtain self-assembled nanoparticles on other single-walled metal oxide nanotubes for unique applications. Finally, we demonstrated that nanotube/nanoparticle hybrid show strong antibacterial activity toward Gram-positive Staphylococcus epidermidis and Gram-negative Escherichia coli.

DNA hydrogel as a template for synthesis of ultrasmall gold nanoparticles for catalytic applications.

PubMed

Zinchenko, Anatoly; Miwa, Yasuyuki; Lopatina, Larisa I; Sergeyev, Vladimir G; Murata, Shizuaki

2014-03-12

DNA cross-linked hydrogel was used as a matrix for synthesis of gold nanoparticles. DNA possesses a strong affinity to transition metals such as gold, which allows for the concentration of Au precursor inside a hydrogel. Further reduction of HAuCl4 inside DNA hydrogel yields well dispersed, non-aggregated spherical Au nanoparticles of 2-3 nm size. The average size of these Au nanoparticles synthesized in DNA hydrogel is the smallest reported so far for in-gel metal nanoparticles synthesis. DNA hybrid hydrogel containing gold nanoparticles showed high catalytic activity in the hydrogenation reaction of nitrophenol to aminophenol. The proposed soft hybrid material is promising as environmentally friendly and sustainable material for catalytic applications.

Fluoroalkyl silane modified silicone rubber/nanoparticle composite: a super durable, robust superhydrophobic fabric coating.

PubMed

Zhou, Hua; Wang, Hongxia; Niu, Haitao; Gestos, Adrian; Wang, Xungai; Lin, Tong

2012-05-08

A superhydrophobic fabric coating made of a crosslinked polydimethylsiloxane elastomer, containing well-dispersed hydrophobic silica nanoparticles and fluorinated alkyl silane, shows remarkable durability against repeated machine washes, severe abrasion, strong acid or base, boiling water or beverages and excellent stain resistance. Copyright © 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Adsorbate Diffusion on Transition Metal Nanoparticles

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-01-01

different sizes and shapes using density functional theory calculations. We show that nanoparticles bind adsorbates more strongly than the...structure theoretical methods, a quantitative study with accurate density functional theory (DFT) calculations is still missing. Here, we perform a...functional theory . The projector augmented wave (PAW) potentials29,30 were used for electron- ion interactions and the generalized gradient approximation

Surface plasmon resonance induced enhancement of photoluminescence and Raman line intensity in SnS quantum dot-Sn nanoparticle hybrid structure.

PubMed

Warrier, Anita R; Gandhimathi, R

2018-04-27

In this article, we report on enhancement in photoluminescence and Raman line intensity of SnS quantum dots embedded in a mesh of Sn nanostructures. SnS nanoparticles synthesized by homogenous precipitation method show strong quantum confinement with a band gap of ∼2.7 eV (blue shift of ∼1 eV compared to bulk SnS particles). The optical band gap of SnS quantum dots is controlled by varying the pH (∼0 to 2.25), ageing time (24 to 144 h) and molarity (0 to 2 M) of the precursors. These SnS nanoparticles are embedded in a mesh of Sn nanostructures which are synthesized from tin chloride by using sodium borohydride as reducing agent. The Sn nanostructures have a morphology dependent, tunable surface plasmon resonance (SPR), ranging from UV (∼295 nm) to visible region (∼400 nm) of the electromagnetic spectrum. In the SnS-Sn nanohybrids, the excitons are strongly coupled with plasmons leading to a shift in the excitonic binding energy (∼400 meV). The pure SnS quantum dots have a very weak photoluminescence peak at ∼560 nm and Raman shift of low intensity at 853.08 cm -1 , 1078.17 cm -1 , 1255.60 cm -1 , 1466.91 cm -1 . The coupling of SnS nanoparticles with Sn nanoparticles results in strong exciton-plasmon interactions leading to enhanced photoluminescence and Raman line intensity. The nanohybrids formed using Sn nanosheets whose SPR matches with absorption onset of the SnS nanoparticles shows an enhancement of ∼10 4 times higher than pure SnS nanoparticles. Thus, Sn nanosheet with surface plasmon resonance in visible region (400 nm) like Au and Ag is a promising material for surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy, plasmon assisted fluorescence imaging and for enhancing the emission intensity of semiconductors with weak emission intensity.

Surface plasmon resonance induced enhancement of photoluminescence and Raman line intensity in SnS quantum dot-Sn nanoparticle hybrid structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Warrier, Anita R.; Gandhimathi, R.

2018-07-01

In this article, we report on enhancement in photoluminescence and Raman line intensity of SnS quantum dots embedded in a mesh of Sn nanostructures. SnS nanoparticles synthesized by homogenous precipitation method show strong quantum confinement with a band gap of ∼2.7 eV (blue shift of ∼1 eV compared to bulk SnS particles). The optical band gap of SnS quantum dots is controlled by varying the pH (∼0 to 2.25), ageing time (24 to 144 h) and molarity (0 to 2 M) of the precursors. These SnS nanoparticles are embedded in a mesh of Sn nanostructures which are synthesized from tin chloride by using sodium borohydride as reducing agent. The Sn nanostructures have a morphology dependent, tunable surface plasmon resonance (SPR), ranging from UV (∼295 nm) to visible region (∼400 nm) of the electromagnetic spectrum. In the SnS-Sn nanohybrids, the excitons are strongly coupled with plasmons leading to a shift in the excitonic binding energy (∼400 meV). The pure SnS quantum dots have a very weak photoluminescence peak at ∼560 nm and Raman shift of low intensity at 853.08 cm‑1, 1078.17 cm‑1, 1255.60 cm‑1, 1466.91 cm‑1. The coupling of SnS nanoparticles with Sn nanoparticles results in strong exciton-plasmon interactions leading to enhanced photoluminescence and Raman line intensity. The nanohybrids formed using Sn nanosheets whose SPR matches with absorption onset of the SnS nanoparticles shows an enhancement of ∼104 times higher than pure SnS nanoparticles. Thus, Sn nanosheet with surface plasmon resonance in visible region (400 nm) like Au and Ag is a promising material for surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy, plasmon assisted fluorescence imaging and for enhancing the emission intensity of semiconductors with weak emission intensity.

Surface functionalization of microwave plasma-synthesized silica nanoparticles for enhancing the stability of dispersions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sehlleier, Yee Hwa; Abdali, Ali; Schnurre, Sophie Marie; Wiggers, Hartmut; Schulz, Christof

2014-08-01

Gas phase-synthesized silica nanoparticles were functionalized with three different silane coupling agents (SCAs) including amine, amine/phosphonate and octyltriethoxy functional groups and the stability of dispersions in polar and non-polar dispersing media such as water, ethanol, methanol, chloroform, benzene, and toluene was studied. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy showed that all three SCAs are chemically attached to the surface of silica nanoparticles. Amine-functionalized particles using steric dispersion stabilization alone showed limited stability. Thus, an additional SCA with sufficiently long hydrocarbon chains and strong positively charged phosphonate groups was introduced in order to achieve electrosteric stabilization. Steric stabilization was successful with hydrophobic octyltriethoxy-functionalized silica nanoparticles in non-polar solvents. The results from dynamic light scattering measurements showed that in dispersions of amine/phosphonate- and octyltriethoxy-functionalized silica particles are dispersed on a primary particle level. Stable dispersions were successfully prepared from initially agglomerated nanoparticles synthesized in a microwave plasma reactor by designing the surface functionalization.

Large-scale ordering of nanoparticles using viscoelastic shear processing.

PubMed

Zhao, Qibin; Finlayson, Chris E; Snoswell, David R E; Haines, Andrew; Schäfer, Christian; Spahn, Peter; Hellmann, Goetz P; Petukhov, Andrei V; Herrmann, Lars; Burdet, Pierre; Midgley, Paul A; Butler, Simon; Mackley, Malcolm; Guo, Qixin; Baumberg, Jeremy J

2016-06-03

Despite the availability of elaborate varieties of nanoparticles, their assembly into regular superstructures and photonic materials remains challenging. Here we show how flexible films of stacked polymer nanoparticles can be directly assembled in a roll-to-roll process using a bending-induced oscillatory shear technique. For sub-micron spherical nanoparticles, this gives elastomeric photonic crystals termed polymer opals showing extremely strong tunable structural colour. With oscillatory strain amplitudes of 300%, crystallization initiates at the wall and develops quickly across the bulk within only five oscillations. The resulting structure of random hexagonal close-packed layers is improved by shearing bidirectionally, alternating between two in-plane directions. Our theoretical framework indicates how the reduction in shear viscosity with increasing order of each layer accounts for these results, even when diffusion is totally absent. This general principle of shear ordering in viscoelastic media opens the way to manufacturable photonic materials, and forms a generic tool for ordering nanoparticles.

Cytotoxic and antimicrobial effect of biosynthesized silver nanoparticles using the fruit extract of Ribes nigrum

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dobrucka, Renata; Kaczmarek, Mariusz; Dlugaszewska, Jolanta

2018-06-01

The present study reveals the efficiency of the fruit extract of Ribes nigrum in the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs). Biosynthesized Ag-NPs were characterized by UV-vis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The nanoparticles were found to be 5–10 nm. In some places, the particles were agglomerated. The nanoparticles showed strong bactericidal activity and fungicidal activity against dermatophytes Trichophyton rubrum ATCC 28188. Moreover, the A549 and CCD39Lu cells under the influence of the highest concentration of nanoparticles synthesized using the fruit extract of Ribes nigrum showed the maximum mortality. Also, the results indicate that Ag-NPs synthesized using the fruit extract of Ribes nigrum exhibit efficiency in therapy of human non-small cell lung cancer A549.

Large-scale ordering of nanoparticles using viscoelastic shear processing

PubMed Central

Zhao, Qibin; Finlayson, Chris E.; Snoswell, David R. E.; Haines, Andrew; Schäfer, Christian; Spahn, Peter; Hellmann, Goetz P.; Petukhov, Andrei V.; Herrmann, Lars; Burdet, Pierre; Midgley, Paul A.; Butler, Simon; Mackley, Malcolm; Guo, Qixin; Baumberg, Jeremy J.

2016-01-01

Despite the availability of elaborate varieties of nanoparticles, their assembly into regular superstructures and photonic materials remains challenging. Here we show how flexible films of stacked polymer nanoparticles can be directly assembled in a roll-to-roll process using a bending-induced oscillatory shear technique. For sub-micron spherical nanoparticles, this gives elastomeric photonic crystals termed polymer opals showing extremely strong tunable structural colour. With oscillatory strain amplitudes of 300%, crystallization initiates at the wall and develops quickly across the bulk within only five oscillations. The resulting structure of random hexagonal close-packed layers is improved by shearing bidirectionally, alternating between two in-plane directions. Our theoretical framework indicates how the reduction in shear viscosity with increasing order of each layer accounts for these results, even when diffusion is totally absent. This general principle of shear ordering in viscoelastic media opens the way to manufacturable photonic materials, and forms a generic tool for ordering nanoparticles. PMID:27255808

Electrochemically induced actuation of liquid metal marbles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tang, Shi-Yang; Sivan, Vijay; Khoshmanesh, Khashayar; O'Mullane, Anthony P.; Tang, Xinke; Gol, Berrak; Eshtiaghi, Nicky; Lieder, Felix; Petersen, Phred; Mitchell, Arnan; Kalantar-Zadeh, Kourosh

2013-06-01

Controlled actuation of soft objects with functional surfaces in aqueous environments presents opportunities for liquid phase electronics, novel assembled super-structures and unusual mechanical properties. We show the extraordinary electrochemically induced actuation of liquid metal droplets coated with nanoparticles, so-called ``liquid metal marbles''. We demonstrate that nanoparticle coatings of these marbles offer an extra dimension for affecting the bipolar electrochemically induced actuation. The nanoparticles can readily migrate along the surface of liquid metals, upon the application of electric fields, altering the capacitive behaviour and surface tension in a highly asymmetric fashion. Surprising actuation behaviours are observed illustrating that nanoparticle coatings can have a strong effect on the movement of these marbles. This significant novel phenomenon, combined with unique properties of liquid metal marbles, represents an exciting platform for enabling diverse applications that cannot be achieved using rigid metal beads.Controlled actuation of soft objects with functional surfaces in aqueous environments presents opportunities for liquid phase electronics, novel assembled super-structures and unusual mechanical properties. We show the extraordinary electrochemically induced actuation of liquid metal droplets coated with nanoparticles, so-called ``liquid metal marbles''. We demonstrate that nanoparticle coatings of these marbles offer an extra dimension for affecting the bipolar electrochemically induced actuation. The nanoparticles can readily migrate along the surface of liquid metals, upon the application of electric fields, altering the capacitive behaviour and surface tension in a highly asymmetric fashion. Surprising actuation behaviours are observed illustrating that nanoparticle coatings can have a strong effect on the movement of these marbles. This significant novel phenomenon, combined with unique properties of liquid metal marbles, represents an exciting platform for enabling diverse applications that cannot be achieved using rigid metal beads. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c3nr00185g

Interfacial engineering of nanoparticle systems: Assesment of electron transfer in inter and intrananoparticle photosystems as well as sensing applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Phebus, Bruce Drury

Electron transfer within nanochemical systems plays a key role in their uses. This body of work looks to better understand the conditions required for electron transport within these nanochemical systems and under what circumstances does it play a role in their use. Assessing electron transfer from aqueous graphene nanoparticles to aqueous ions through observation by quenching photoluminescence pointed to interesting requirements for transfer. Sensitivity was observed down to 1.6x10 -6 M for the most strongly quenching ions. More interesting though was a marked dependence on chemical hardness of the ions, with specific chemical hardness required to quench each graphene quantum dot species. Graphene quantum dots sourced from carbon fiber were observed to quench best with ions near that of 8.50 eV chemical hardness, like that of nickelous ions. Nitrogen doped graphene quantum dots were observed to quench best with ions near 7.70 eV in chemical hardness, like that of mercuric ions. The shift to a lower hardness is also noted in a shift toward lower excitation energy of the nanoparticles. For some ions concentration dependence was observed, with ions increasing PL emission initially then subsequently acting as quenchers. This behavior points to multiple quenching sites on the nanoparticles with different complexation values, some leading to stabilization of the PL emission when complexed. EDTA, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, was used as a complexing agent to assess possible recovery of emissions. EDTA was observed to complex ions and recovers some PL emission from some ions, with recovery dependent not only on quenching efficiency of the ion but the complexation constant. The most intriguing behavior was observed for aluminum ions which were observed to further quench with additions of EDTA after a critical point emission started to recover. We ascribe this behavior to multiple complexation sites on the nanoparticles with varied concentration and distinct roles in the emission of the nanoparticles. Looking at inter nanoparticle electron transfer by assessing resistivity of nanoparticle films with varied exposure to solvent vapors. Carbon nanoparticles with notable graphitic character were produced from soot by burning sp2 rich fuels and utilized to selectively sense volatile solvent vapors. Dynamic light scattering and Transmission Electron Microscopy showed the particles to be significantly larger than those produced from other soot sources as well as most known bottom up methods for producing graphene nanoparticles. Raman measurements show considerable graphitic character with Raman G : D peak ratios greater than 1. Doping with nitrogen, undertaken by adding pyridine to the precursor fuel, also yielded a dopant levels of just over 3 % nitrogen, showing pyridine like character. The nitrogen doped particles showed strong specificity to sensing pyridine and piperidine vapors over those of the un-doped toluene soot nanoparticles which showed a strong response to ethanol and especially isopropanol over that of the doped nanoparticles. With the carbon chloride solvent series, carbon tetrachloride, chloroform, and dichloromethane, pyridine doped nanoparticles showed greatest sensitivity toward dichloromethane with the undoped particles showing little response. In contrast to many other chemiresistor sensor systems, the particles show increasing conductivity when exposed to vapors displaying conductivities like those of some polymers and special cases of graphene oxide. Although these sensing systems are not optimized the remarkable specificity difference between the two different nanoparticle films due to the slight level of doping is illustrative of how a more diverse set of sensors might be made. Clear trends are present in polarity of the solvents and the current response of the sensors. Assessing electron transfer within a single nanoparticle system was conducted using ruthenium nanoparticles stabilized by the self-assembly of 1-decyne forming ruthenium-vinylidene interfacial bonds and further functionalized by metathesis reactions with 4-ethynyl-N,N-diphenylaniline (EDPA) and 9-vinylanthracene (VAN). The surface concentrations of the EDPA and VAN ligands were quantified by proton NMR measurements of the organic components after the metal cores were dissolved by dilute potassium cyanide. Photoluminescence measurements showed that when both ligands were bound onto the nanoparticle surface where effective mixing of the pi electrons occurred leading to the appearance of excitation and emission profiles that were completely different from those of ruthenium nanoparticles functionalized with only EDPA or VAN. Furthermore, in photoelectrochemical studies, the EDPA moieties exhibited a pair of well-defined voltammetric peaks in the dark that were ascribed to the redox reaction involving the formation of cationic radicals; yet under UV photoirradiation the voltammetric features diminished markedly. These results strongly suggested that the particle-bound EDPA and VAN moieties behaved analogously to those of conventional molecular dyads based on the same electron-donating and -accepting units, where the intraparticle charge transfer might be facilitated by the conjugated metal-ligand interfacial bonds.

Thermooptical properties of gold nanoparticles embedded in ice: characterization of heat generation and melting.

PubMed

Richardson, Hugh H; Hickman, Zackary N; Govorov, Alexander O; Thomas, Alyssa C; Zhang, Wei; Kordesch, Martin E

2006-04-01

We investigate the system of optically excited gold NPs in an ice matrix aiming to understand heat generation and melting processes at the nanoscale level. Along with the traditional fluorescence method, we introduce thermooptical spectroscopy based on phase transformation of a matrix. With this, we can not only measure optical response but also thermal response, that is, heat generation. After several recrystallization cycles, the nanoparticles are embedded into the ice film where the optical and thermal properties of the nanoparticles are probed. Spatial fluorescence mapping shows the locations of Au nanoparticles, whereas the time-resolved Raman signal of ice reveals the melting process. From the time-dependent Raman signals, we determine the critical light intensities at which the laser beam is able to melt ice around the nanoparticles. The melting intensity depends strongly on temperature and position. The position-dependence is especially strong and reflects a mesoscopic character of heat generation. We think that it comes from the fact that nanoparticles form small complexes of different geometry and each complex has a unique thermal response. Theoretical calculations and experimental data are combined to make a quantitative measure of the amount of heat generated by optically excited Au nanoparticles and agglomerates. The information obtained in this study can be used to design nanoscale heaters and actuators.

An Aspergillus aculateus strain was capable of producing agriculturally useful nanoparticles via bioremediation of iron ore tailings.

PubMed

Bedi, Ankita; Singh, Braj Raj; Deshmukh, Sunil K; Adholeya, Alok; Barrow, Colin J

2018-06-01

Mining waste such as iron ore tailing is environmentally hazardous, encouraging researchers to develop effective bioremediation technologies. Among the microbial isolates collected from iron ore tailings, Aspergillus aculeatus (strain T6) showed good leaching efficiency and produced iron-containing nanoparticles under ambient conditions. This strain can convert iron ore tailing waste into agriculturally useful nanoparticles. Fourier-transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR analysis) established the at the particles are protein coated, with energy dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX analysis) showing strong signals for iron. Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM analysis) showed semi-quasi spherical particles having average size of 15 ± 5 nm. These biosynthesized nanoparticles when tested for their efficacy on seed emergence activity of mungbean (Vigna radiata) seeds, and enhanced plant growth at 10 and 20 ppm. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Translocation of polymers into crowded media with dynamic attractive nanoparticles.

PubMed

Cao, Wei-Ping; Ren, Qing-Bao; Luo, Meng-Bo

2015-07-01

The translocation of polymers through a small pore into crowded media with dynamic attractive nanoparticles is simulated. Results show that the nanoparticles at the trans side can affect the translocation by influencing the free-energy landscape and the diffusion of polymers. Thus the translocation time τ is dependent on the polymer-nanoparticle attraction strength ɛ and the mobility of nanoparticles V. We observe a power-law relation of τ with V, but the exponent is dependent on ɛ and nanoparticle concentration. In addition, we find that the effect of attractive dynamic nanoparticles on the dynamics of polymers is dependent on the time scale. At a short time scale, subnormal diffusion is observed at strong attraction and the diffusion is slowed down by the dynamic nanoparticles. However, the diffusion of polymers is normal at a long time scale and the diffusion constant increases with the increase in V.

Modifications in nanoparticle-protein interactions by varying the protein conformation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumar, Sugam; Yadav, I.; Aswal, V. K.; Kohlbrecher, J.

2017-05-01

Small-angle neutron scattering has been used to study the interaction of silica nanoparticle with Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) protein without and with a protein denaturing agent urea. The measurements have been carried out at pH 7 where both the components (nanoparticle and protein) are similarly charged. We show that the interactions in nanoparticle-protein system can be modified by changing the conformation of protein through the presence of urea. In the absence of urea, the strong electrostatic repulsion between the nanoparticle and protein prevents protein adsorption on nanoparticle surface. This non-adsorption, in turn gives rise to depletion attraction between nanoparticles. However, with addition of urea the depletion attraction is completely suppressed. Urea driven denaturation of protein is utilized to expose the positively charged patched of the BSA molecules which eventually leads to adsorption of BSA on nanoparticles eliminating the depletion interaction.

Tuning structure of oppositely charged nanoparticle and protein complexes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumar, Sugam; Aswal, V. K.; Callow, P.

2014-04-01

Small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) has been used to probe the structures of anionic silica nanoparticles (LS30) and cationic lyszyme protein (M.W. 14.7kD, I.P. ˜ 11.4) by tuning their interaction through the pH variation. The protein adsorption on nanoparticles is found to be increasing with pH and determined by the electrostatic attraction between two components as well as repulsion between protein molecules. We show the strong electrostatic attraction between nanoparticles and protein molecules leads to protein-mediated aggregation of nanoparticles which are characterized by fractal structures. At pH 5, the protein adsorption gives rise to nanoparticle aggregation having surface fractal morphology with close packing of nanoparticles. The surface fractals transform to open structures of mass fractal morphology at higher pH (7 and 9) on approaching isoelectric point (I.P.).

Fabrication of naphthalocyanine nanoparticles by laser ablation in liquid and application to contrast agents for photoacoustic imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yanagihara, Ryuga; Asahi, Tsuyoshi; Ishibashi, Yukihide; Odawara, Osamu; Wada, Hiroyuki

2018-03-01

Naphthalocyanine nanoparticles were prepared by laser ablation in liquid using second-harmonics of nanosecond Nd:YAG laser as an excitation light sauce at various laser fluence, and the properties of naphthalocyanine nanoparticles, such as shape, size, zeta potential, chemical structure and optical absorption were examined. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) measurements showed that the particle size of the nanoparticles could be controlled by the laser fluence. The IR spectra of the nanoparticles indicated the formation of carboxylate anion species at laser fluences above 100 mJ/cm2, which will result the zeta potential of the nanoparticles depending on the laser fluence. We also examined the potential application to contrast agents for photoacoustic, and confirmed that the naphthalocyanine nanoparticles generated a strong photoacoustic signal.

Synthetic Approach to Controlled Assembly of Metal Nanoparticles

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-12-20

is termed raspberry -like metamolecules ( raspberry -MM) due to their strong magnetic resonances. Here, we first report surprisingly weak distance...dependence in Raman enhancement from the raspberry -like gold nanoparticles. Due to the abundant built-in hot spots between adjacent gold nanobeads, bright...and uniform Raman signals were observed from isolated single raspberry -MMs. Interestingly, dimers of raspberry -MMs also showed highly reproducible

High Resolution Live Cell Raman Imaging Using Subcellular Organelle-Targeting SERS-Sensitive Gold Nanoparticles with Highly Narrow Intra-Nanogap

PubMed Central

Kang, Jeon Woong; So, Peter T. C.; Dasari, Ramachandra R.; Lim, Dong-Kwon

2015-01-01

We report a method to achieve high speed and high resolution live cell Raman images using small spherical gold nanoparticles with highly narrow intra-nanogap structures responding to NIR excitation (785 nm) and high-speed confocal Raman microscopy. The three different Raman-active molecules placed in the narrow intra-nanogap showed a strong and uniform Raman intensity in solution even under transient exposure time (10 ms) and low input power of incident laser (200 μW), which lead to obtain high-resolution single cell image within 30 s without inducing significant cell damage. The high resolution Raman image showed the distributions of gold nanoparticles for their targeted sites such as cytoplasm, mitochondria, or nucleus. The high speed Raman-based live cell imaging allowed us to monitor rapidly changing cell morphologies during cell death induced by the addition of highly toxic KCN solution to cells. These results strongly suggest that the use of SERS-active nanoparticle can greatly improve the current temporal resolution and image quality of Raman-based cell images enough to obtain the detailed cell dynamics and/or the responses of cells to potential drug molecules. PMID:25646716

Nanoparticle solutions as adhesives for gels and biological tissues

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rose, Séverine; Prevoteau, Alexandre; Elzière, Paul; Hourdet, Dominique; Marcellan, Alba; Leibler, Ludwik

2014-01-01

Adhesives are made of polymers because, unlike other materials, polymers ensure good contact between surfaces by covering asperities, and retard the fracture of adhesive joints by dissipating energy under stress. But using polymers to `glue' together polymer gels is difficult, requiring chemical reactions, heating, pH changes, ultraviolet irradiation or an electric field. Here we show that strong, rapid adhesion between two hydrogels can be achieved at room temperature by spreading a droplet of a nanoparticle solution on one gel's surface and then bringing the other gel into contact with it. The method relies on the nanoparticles' ability to adsorb onto polymer gels and to act as connectors between polymer chains, and on the ability of polymer chains to reorganize and dissipate energy under stress when adsorbed onto nanoparticles. We demonstrate this approach by pressing together pieces of hydrogels, for approximately 30 seconds, that have the same or different chemical properties or rigidities, using various solutions of silica nanoparticles, to achieve a strong bond. Furthermore, we show that carbon nanotubes and cellulose nanocrystals that do not bond hydrogels together become adhesive when their surface chemistry is modified. To illustrate the promise of the method for biological tissues, we also glued together two cut pieces of calf's liver using a solution of silica nanoparticles. As a rapid, simple and efficient way to assemble gels or tissues, this method is desirable for many emerging technological and medical applications such as microfluidics, actuation, tissue engineering and surgery.

Microfluidic separation of magnetic nanoparticles on an ordered array of magnetized micropillars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Orlandi, G.; Kuzhir, P.; Izmaylov, Y.; Alves Marins, J.; Ezzaier, H.; Robert, L.; Doutre, F.; Noblin, X.; Lomenech, C.; Bossis, G.; Meunier, A.; Sandoz, G.; Zubarev, A.

2016-06-01

Microfluidic separation of magnetic particles is based on their capture by magnetized microcollectors while the suspending fluid flows past the microcollectors inside a microchannel. Separation of nanoparticles is often challenging because of strong Brownian motion. Low capture efficiency of nanoparticles limits their applications in bioanalysis. However, at some conditions, magnetic nanoparticles may undergo field-induced aggregation that amplifies the magnetic attractive force proportionally to the aggregate volume and considerably increases nanoparticle capture efficiency. In this paper, we have demonstrated the role of such aggregation on an efficient capture of magnetic nanoparticles (about 80 nm in diameter) in a microfluidic channel equipped with a nickel micropillar array. This array was magnetized by an external uniform magnetic field, of intensity as low as 6-10 kA/m, and experiments were carried out at flow rates ranging between 0.3 and 30 μ L /min . Nanoparticle capture is shown to be mostly governed by the Mason number Ma, while the dipolar coupling parameter α does not exhibit a clear effect in the studied range, 1.4 < α < 4.5. The capture efficiency Λ shows a strongly decreasing Mason number behavior, Λ ∝M a-1.78 within the range 32 ≤ Ma ≤ 3250. We have proposed a simple theoretical model which considers destructible nanoparticle chains and gives the scaling behavior, Λ ∝M a-1.7 , close to the experimental findings.

Synthesis of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) for anticancer activities (MCF 7 breast and A549 lung cell lines) of the crude extract of Syzygium aromaticum.

PubMed

Venugopal, K; Rather, H A; Rajagopal, K; Shanthi, M P; Sheriff, K; Illiyas, M; Rather, R A; Manikandan, E; Uvarajan, S; Bhaskar, M; Maaza, M

2017-02-01

In the present report, silver nanoparticles were synthesized using Piper nigrum extract for in vitro cytotoxicity efficacy against MCF-7 and HEP-2 cells. The silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were formed within 20min and after preliminarily confirmation by UV-Visible spectroscopy (strong peak observed at ~441nm), they were characterized by using FT-IR and HR-TEM. The TEM images show spherical shape of biosynthesized AgNPs with particle size in the range 5-40nm while as compositional analysis were observed by EDAX. MTT assays were carried out for cytotoxicity of various concentrations of biosynthesized silver nanoparticles and Piper nigrum extract ranging from 10 to 100μg. The biosynthesized silver nanoparticles showed a significant anticancer activity against both MCF-7 and Hep-2 cells compared to Piper nigrum extract which was dose dependent. Our study thus revealed an excellent application of greenly synthesized silver nanoparticles using Piper nigrum. The study further suggested the potential therapeutic use of these nanoparticles in cancer study. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Interaction Between Cyanine Dye IR-783 and Polystyrene Nanoparticles in Solution.

PubMed

Zhang, Yunzhi; Xu, Hui; Casabianca, Leah B

2018-05-17

The interactions between small molecule drugs or dyes and nanoparticles are important to the use of nanoparticles in medicine. Noncovalent adsorption of dyes on nanoparticle surfaces is also important to the development of nanoparticle dual-use imaging contrast agents. In the present work, solution-state NMR is used to examine the noncovalent interaction between a near-infrared cyanine dye and the surface of polystyrene nanoparticles in solution. Using 1D proton NMR, we can approximate the number of dye molecules that associate with each nanoparticle for different sized nanoparticles. Saturation-Transfer Difference (STD)-NMR was also used to show that protons near the positively-charged nitrogen in the dye are more strongly associated with the negatively-charged nanoparticle surface than protons near the negatively-charged sulfate groups of the dye. The methods described here can be used to study similar drug or dye molecules interacting with the surface of organic nanoparticles. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Highly stable molybdenum dioxide nanoparticles with strong plasmon resonance are promising in photothermal cancer therapy.

PubMed

Liu, Wei; Li, Xinshi; Li, Wentao; Zhang, Qiqi; Bai, Hua; Li, Junfang; Xi, Guangcheng

2018-05-01

Photothermal therapy (PTT) is one of promising cancer therapy with high efficiency and minimal invasiveness. Exploiting of perfect PTT agent is vital to improve the therapy. In this study, a new type of bow tie-like molybdenum dioxide (MoO 2 ) nanoparticles was successfully synthesized. These nanobow-ties had strong localized surface plasmon resonance (SPR) effect from visible to near infrared regions, and exhibited ultrahigh chemical stability. They could not only withstand high temperature heating without oxidation, but also resist the corrosion of strong acid and alkali. Meanwhile, the MoO 2 nanoparticles were highly stable in protein-containing biological medium, though they partly degraded in PBS solution. Both in vivo and in vitro experiments indicated that they exhibited inappreciable toxicity. Under illumination of near infrared laser, they showed excellent PTT effect, as revealed by significant inhibition of cancer cell viability in vitro and efficient destruction in tumor tissue growth in vivo. These MoO 2 nanoparticles possessed highly chemical stability and low toxicity with high PTT efficiency, thus promising them high potential as nanoagent in cancer treatment. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Interparticle interactions effects on the magnetic order in surface of FeO4 nanoparticles.

PubMed

Lima, E; Vargas, J M; Rechenberg, H R; Zysler, R D

2008-11-01

We report interparticle interactions effects on the magnetic structure of the surface region in Fe3O4 nanoparticles. For that, we have studied a desirable system composed by Fe3O4 nanoparticles with (d) = 9.3 nm and a narrow size distribution. These particles present an interesting morphology constituted by a crystalline core and a broad (approximately 50% vol.) disordered superficial shell. Two samples were prepared with distinct concentrations of the particles: weakly-interacting particles dispersed in a polymer and strongly-dipolar-interacting particles in a powder sample. M(H, T) measurements clearly show that strong dipolar interparticle interaction modifies the magnetic structure of the structurally disordered superficial shell. Consequently, we have observed drastically distinct thermal behaviours of magnetization and susceptibility comparing weakly- and strongly-interacting samples for the temperature range 2 K < T < 300 K. We have also observed a temperature-field dependence of the hysteresis loops of the dispersed sample that is not observed in the hysteresis loops of the powder one.

Nanoparticulate hollow TiO2 fibers as light scatterers in dye-sensitized solar cells: layer-by-layer self-assembly parameters and mechanism.

PubMed

Rahman, Masoud; Tajabadi, Fariba; Shooshtari, Leyla; Taghavinia, Nima

2011-04-04

Hollow structures show both light scattering and light trapping, which makes them promising for dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) applications. In this work, nanoparticulate hollow TiO(2) fibers are prepared by layer-by-layer (LbL) self-assembly deposition of TiO(2) nanoparticles on natural cellulose fibers as template, followed by thermal removal of the template. The effect of LbL parameters such as the type and molecular weight of polyelectrolyte, number of dip cycles, and the TiO(2) dispersion (amorphous or crystalline sol) are investigated. LbL deposition with weak polyelectrolytes (polyethylenimine, PEI) gives greater nanoparticle deposition yield compared to strong polyelectrolytes (poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride), PDDA). Decreasing the molecular weight of the polyelectrolyte results in more deposition of nanoparticles in each dip cycle with narrower pore size distribution. Fibers prepared by the deposition of crystalline TiO(2) nanoparticles show higher surface area and higher pore volume than amorphous nanoparticles. Scattering coefficients and backscattering properties of fibers are investigated and compared with those of commercial P25 nanoparticles. Composite P25-fiber films are electrophoretically deposited and employed as the photoanode in DSSC. Photoelectrochemical measurements showed an increase of around 50% in conversion efficiency. By employing the intensity-modulated photovoltage and photocurrent spectroscopy methods, it is shown that the performance improvement due to addition of fibers is mostly due to the increase in light-harvesting efficiency. The high surface area due to the nanoparticulate structure and strong light harvesting due to the hollow structure make these fibers promising scatterers in DSSCs. Copyright © 2011 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

The Influence of CuFe2O4 Nanoparticles on Superconductivity of MgB2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Novosel, Nikolina; Pajić, Damir; Skoko, Željko; Mustapić, Mislav; Babić, Emil; Zadro, Krešo; Horvat, Joseph

The influence of CuFe2O4 nanoparticle doping on superconducting properties of Fe-sheated MgB2 wires has been studied. The wires containing 0, 3 and 7.5 wt.% of monodisperse superparamagnetic nanoparticles (˜7 nm) were sintered at 650°C or 750°C for 1 hour in the pure argon atmosphere. X-ray diffraction patterns of doped samples showed very small maxima corresponding to iron boride and an increase in the fraction of MgO phase indicating some interaction of nanoparticles with Mg and B. Both magnetic and transport measurements (performed in the temperature range 2-42 K and magnetic field up to 16 T) showed strong deterioration of the superconducting properties upon doping with CuFe2O4. The transition temperatures, Tc, of doped samples decreased for about 1.4 K per wt.% of CuFe2O4. Also, the irreversibility fields Birr(T) decreased progressively with increasing doping. Accordingly, also the suppression of Jc with magnetic field became stronger. The observed strong deterioration of superconducting properties of MgB2 wires is at variance with reported enhancement of critical currents at higher temperatures (determined from magnetization) in bulk MgB2 samples doped with Fe3O4 nanoparticles. The probable reason for this discrepancy is briefly discussed

Ordering nanoparticles with polymer brushes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cheng, Shengfeng; Stevens, Mark J.; Grest, Gary S.

2017-12-01

Ordering nanoparticles into a desired super-structure is often crucial for their technological applications. We use molecular dynamics simulations to study the assembly of nanoparticles in a polymer brush randomly grafted to a planar surface as the solvent evaporates. Initially, the nanoparticles are dispersed in a solvent that wets the polymer brush. After the solvent evaporates, the nanoparticles are either inside the brush or adsorbed at the surface of the brush, depending on the strength of the nanoparticle-polymer interaction. For strong nanoparticle-polymer interactions, a 2-dimensional ordered array is only formed when the brush density is finely tuned to accommodate a single layer of nanoparticles. When the brush density is higher or lower than this optimal value, the distribution of nanoparticles shows large fluctuations in space and the packing order diminishes. For weak nanoparticle-polymer interactions, the nanoparticles order into a hexagonal array on top of the polymer brush as long as the grafting density is high enough to yield a dense brush. An interesting healing effect is observed for a low-grafting-density polymer brush that can become more uniform in the presence of weakly adsorbed nanoparticles.

Strong Antibody Responses Induced by Protein Antigens Conjugated onto the Surface of Lecithin-Based Nanoparticles

PubMed Central

Sloat, Brian R.; Sandoval, Michael A.; Hau, Andrew M.; He, Yongqun; Cui, Zhengrong

2009-01-01

An accumulation of research over the years has demonstrated the utility of nanoparticles as antigen carriers with adjuvant activity. Herein we defined the adjuvanticity of a novel lecithin-based nanoparticle engineered from emulsions. The nanoparticles were spheres of around 200 nm. Model protein antigens, bovine serum albumin (BSA) or Bacillus anthracis protective antigen (PA) protein, were covalently conjugated onto the nanoparticles. Mice immunized with the BSA-conjugated nanoparticles developed strong anti-BSA antibody responses comparable to that induced by BSA adjuvanted with incomplete Freund's adjuvant and 6.5-fold stronger than that induced by BSA adsorbed onto aluminum hydroxide. Immunization of mice with the PA-conjugated nanoparticles elicited a quick, strong, and durable anti-PA antibody response that afforded protection of the mice against a lethal dose of anthrax lethal toxin challenge. The potent adjuvanticity of the nanoparticles was likely due to their ability to move the antigens into local draining lymph nodes, to enhance the uptake of the antigens by antigen-presenting cells (APCs), and to activate APCs. This novel nanoparticle system has the potential to serve as a universal protein-based vaccine carrier capable of inducing strong immune responses. PMID:19729045

Electromagnetic energy transport in nanoparticle chains via dark plasmon modes.

PubMed

Solis, David; Willingham, Britain; Nauert, Scott L; Slaughter, Liane S; Olson, Jana; Swanglap, Pattanawit; Paul, Aniruddha; Chang, Wei-Shun; Link, Stephan

2012-03-14

Using light to exchange information offers large bandwidths and high speeds, but the miniaturization of optical components is limited by diffraction. Converting light into electron waves in metals allows one to overcome this problem. However, metals are lossy at optical frequencies and large-area fabrication of nanometer-sized structures by conventional top-down methods can be cost-prohibitive. We show electromagnetic energy transport with gold nanoparticles that were assembled into close-packed linear chains. The small interparticle distances enabled strong electromagnetic coupling causing the formation of low-loss subradiant plasmons, which facilitated energy propagation over many micrometers. Electrodynamic calculations confirmed the dark nature of the propagating mode and showed that disorder in the nanoparticle arrangement enhances energy transport, demonstrating the viability of using bottom-up nanoparticle assemblies for ultracompact opto-electronic devices. © 2012 American Chemical Society

Synthesis and toxicity test of magnetic nanoparticle via biocompatible microemulsion system as template for application in targeted drug delivery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kader, Razinah Abdul; Rose, Laili Che; Suhaimi, Hamdan; Manickam, Mariessa Soosai

2017-09-01

This work reports the preparation of magnetic nanoparticles (FeNPs) using biocompatible W/O microemulsion for biomedical applications. W/O microemulsion was formed using decane as oil phase, water, tween 80 as non-ionic surfactant and hexanol as organic solvent. The synthesized FeNPs were characterised by using Fourier Transform Infrared Resonance Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD). The FTIR showed that Fe-O bond exist on 581cm-1 having strong magnetic strength whereas SEM showed the morphology surface of magnetic nanoparticles (FeNPs). Furthermore, analysis of XRD pattern magnetic nanoparticles (FeNPs) reveals a cubic iron oxide phase with good crystallize structure. Furthermore, toxicity test on human liver cells proved that it is 70% safe on human and proved to be a safety nanomedicine.

SERS of semiconducting nanoparticles (TiO{sub 2} hybrid composites).

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Musumeci, A.; Gosztola, D.; Schiller, T.

Raman scattering of molecules adsorbed on the surface of TiO{sub 2} nanoparticles was investigated. We find strong enhancement of Raman scattering in hybrid composites that exhibit charge transfer absorption with TiO{sub 2} nanoparticles. An enhancement factor up to {approx}10{sup 3} was observed in the solutions containing TiO{sub 2} nanoparticles and biomolecules, including the important class of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and dopac (3,4-dihydroxy-phenylacetic acid). Only selected vibrations are enhanced, indicating molecular specificity due to distinct binding and orientation of the biomolecules coupled to the TiO{sub 2} surface. All enhanced modes are associated with the asymmetric vibrations of attached molecules thatmore » lower the symmetry of the charge transfer complex. The intensity and the energy of selected vibrations are dependent on the size and shape of nanoparticle support. Moreover, we show that localization of the charge in quantized nanoparticles (2 nm), demonstrated as the blue shift of particle absorption, diminishes SERS enhancement. Importantly, the smallest concentration of adsorbed molecules shows the largest Raman enhancements suggesting the possibility for high sensitivity of this system in the detection of biomolecules that form a charge transfer complex with metal oxide nanoparticles. The wavelength-dependent properties of a hybrid composite suggest a Raman resonant state. Adsorbed molecules that do not show a charge transfer complex show weak enhancements probably due to the dielectric cavity effect.« less

SERS of semiconducting nanoparticles (TIO{sub 2} hybrid composites).

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Rajh, T.; Musumeci, A.; Gosztola, D.

Raman scattering of molecules adsorbed on the surface of TiO{sub 2} nanoparticles was investigated. We find strong enhancement of Raman scattering in hybrid composites that exhibit charge transfer absorption with TiO{sub 2} nanoparticles. An enhancement factor up to {approx}10{sup 3} was observed in the solutions containing TiO{sub 2} nanoparticles and biomolecules, including the important class of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and dopac (3,4-dihydroxy-phenylacetic acid). Only selected vibrations are enhanced, indicating molecular specificity due to distinct binding and orientation of the biomolecules coupled to the TiO{sub 2} surface. All enhanced modes are associated with the asymmetric vibrations of attached molecules thatmore » lower the symmetry of the charge transfer complex. The intensity and the energy of selected vibrations are dependent on the size and shape of nanoparticle support. Moreover, we show that localization of the charge in quantized nanoparticles (2 nm), demonstrated as the blue shift of particle absorption, diminishes SERS enhancement. Importantly, the smallest concentration of adsorbed molecules shows the largest Raman enhancements suggesting the possibility for high sensitivity of this system in the detection of biomolecules that form a charge transfer complex with metal oxide nanoparticles. The wavelength-dependent properties of a hybrid composite suggest a Raman resonant state. Adsorbed molecules that do not show a charge transfer complex show weak enhancements probably due to the dielectric cavity effect.« less

Engineering electric and magnetic dipole coupling in arrays of dielectric nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Jiaqi; Verellen, Niels; Van Dorpe, Pol

2018-02-01

Dielectric nanoparticles with both strong electric and magnetic dipole (ED and MD) resonances offer unique opportunities for efficient manipulation of light-matter interactions. Here, based on numerical simulations, we show far-field diffractive coupling of the ED and MD modes in a periodic rectangular array. By using unequal periodicities in the orthogonal directions, each dipole mode is separately coupled and strongly tuned. With this method, the electric and magnetic response of the dielectric nanoparticles can be deliberately engineered to accomplish various optical functionalities. Remarkably, an ultra-sharp MD resonance with sub-10 nm linewidth is achieved with a large enhancement factor for the magnetic field intensity on the order of ˜103. Our results will find useful applications for the detection of chemical and biological molecules as well as the design of novel photonic metadevices.

Gold decorated NaYF4:Yb,Er/NaYF4/silica (core/shell/shell) upconversion nanoparticles for photothermal destruction of BE(2)-C neuroblastoma cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qian, Li Peng; Zhou, Li Han; Too, Heng-Phon; Chow, Gan-Moog

2011-02-01

Gold decorated NaYF4:Yb,Er/NaYF4/silica (core/shell/shell) upconversion (UC) nanoparticles ( 70-80 nm) were synthesized using tetraethyl orthosilicate and chloroauric acid in a one-step reverse microemulsion method. Gold nanoparticles ( 6 nm) were deposited on the surface of silica shell of these core/shell/shell nanoparticles. The total upconversion emission intensity (green, red, and blue) of the core/shell/shell nanoparticles decreased by 31% after Au was deposited on the surface of silica shell. The upconverted green light was coupled with the surface plasmon of Au leading to rapid heat conversion. These UC/silica/Au nanoparticles were very efficient to destroy BE(2)-C cancer cells and showed strong potential in photothermal therapy.

Evaluation of the sonosensitizing properties of nano-graphene oxide in comparison with iron oxide and gold nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Beik, Jaber; Abed, Ziaeddin; Shakeri-Zadeh, Ali; Nourbakhsh, Mitra; Shiran, Mohammad Bagher

2016-07-01

In cancer hyperthermia, ultrasound is considered as an appropriate source of energy to achieve desired therapeutic levels of heating. It is assumed that such a heating is targeted to cancer cells by using nanoparticles as sonosensitization agents. Here, we report the sonosensitizing effects of Nano-Graphene Oxide (NGO) and compare them with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), Iron Oxide nanoparticles (IONPs). Experiments were conducted to explore the effects of nanoparticle type and concentration, as well as ultrasound power, on transient heating up of the solutions exposed by 1 MHz ultrasound. Nanoparticles concentration was selected from 0.25 to 2.5 mg/ml and the solutions were exposed by ultrasound powers from 1 to 8 W. Real time temperature monitoring was done by a thermocouple and obtained data was analyzed. Temperature profiles of various nanoparticle solutions showed the higher heating rates, in comparison to water. Heating rise was strongly depended on nanoparticles concentration and ultrasound power. AuNPs showed a superior efficiency in heat generation enhancement in comparison to IONPs and NGO. Our result supports the idea of sonosensitizing capabilities of AuNPs, IONPs, and NGO. Targeted hyperthermia may be achievable by preferential loading of tumor with nanoparticles and subsequent ultrasound irradiation.

In vitro and in vivo anti-tumor activities of a gemcitabine derivative carried by nanoparticles

PubMed Central

Sloat, Brian R.; Sandoval, Michael A.; Li, Dong; Chung, Woon-Gye; Lansakara-P., Dharmika S. P.; Proteau, Philip J.; Kiguchi, Kaoru; DiGiovanni, John; Cui, Zhengrong

2011-01-01

Gemcitabine (Gemzar®) is the first line treatment for pancreatic cancer and often used in combination therapy for non-small cell lung, ovarian, and metastatic breast cancers. Although extremely toxic to a variety of tumor cells in culture, the clinical outcome of gemcitabine treatment still needs improvement. In the present study, a new gemcitabine nanoparticle formulation was developed by incorporating a previously reported stearic acid amide derivative of gemcitabine into nanoparticles prepared from lecithin/glyceryl monostearate-in-water emulsions. The stearoyl gemcitabine nanoparticles were cytotoxic to tumor cells in culture, although it took a longer time for the gemcitabine in the nanoparticles to kill tumor cells than for free gemcitabine. In mice with pre-established model mouse or human tumors, the stearoyl gemcitabine nanoparticles were significantly more effective than free gemcitabine in controlling the tumor growth. PEGylation of the gemcitabine nanoparticles with polyethylene glycol (2000) prolonged the circulation of the nanoparticles in blood and increased the accumulation of the nanoparticles in tumor tissues (> 6-fold), but the PEGylated and un-PEGylated gemcitabine nanoparticles showed similar anti-tumor activity in mice. Nevertheless, the nanoparticle formulation was critical for the stearoyl gemcitabine to show a strong anti-tumor activity. It is concluded that for the gemcitabine derivate-containing nanoparticles, cytotoxicity data in culture may not be used to predict their in vivo anti-tumor activity, and this novel gemcitabine nanoparticle formulation has the potential to improve the clinical outcome of gemcitabine treatment. PMID:21371545

Au nanoparticle monolayers covered with sol-gel oxide thin films: optical and morphological study.

PubMed

Della Gaspera, Enrico; Karg, Matthias; Baldauf, Julia; Jasieniak, Jacek; Maggioni, Gianluigi; Martucci, Alessandro

2011-11-15

In this work, we provide a detailed study of the influence of thermal annealing on submonolayer Au nanoparticle deposited on functionalized surfaces as standalone films and those that are coated with sol-gel NiO and TiO(2) thin films. The systems are characterized through the use of UV-vis absorption, X-ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and spectroscopic ellipsometry. The surface plasmon resonance peak of the Au nanoparticles was found to red-shift and increase in intensity with increasing surface coverage, an observation that is directly correlated to the complex refractive index properties of Au nanoparticle layers. The standalone Au nanoparticles sinter at 200 °C, and a relationship between the optical properties and the annealing temperature is presented. When overcoated with sol-gel metal oxide films (NiO, TiO(2)), the optical properties of the Au nanoparticles are strongly affected by the metal oxide, resulting in an intense red shift and broadening of the plasmon band; moreover, the temperature-driven sintering is strongly limited by the metal oxide layer. Optical sensing tests for ethanol vapor are presented as one possible application, showing reversible sensing dynamics and confirming the effect of Au nanoparticles in increasing the sensitivity and in providing a wavelength dependent response, thus confirming the potential use of such materials as optical probes.

Water soluble (Ln3+) doped nanoparticle: Retention of strong luminescence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Attar, Tarannum Vahid; Khandpekar, Mahendra M.

2018-04-01

This paper deals with the synthesis of hexagonal nanoparticles of LaF3: Nd, Ho (LFNH) in the presence of LaCl3.7H2O and NH4F by precipitation method using deionized water as solvent. The nanoparticles have a nearly hexagonal shape with cell parameters, a = b = 7.0980 AU and c = 7.2300 AU and confirms with the JCPDS standard card (32-0483) of pure LaF3 crystals. The TEM results show that the average sizes of these nanoparticles are 15nm which is consistent with the sizes obtained from XRD measurements. The SEM image shows uniform size distribution of the nanoparticles. Detection of Second harmonic generation (SHG) signal together with the presence of wide transparency window (UV studies) makes LFNH suitable for optoelectronic applications. The Photoluminescence of the nanocrystals has been observed by excitation and emission spectra. The peak at 629nm indicates red up conversion fluorescence useful in applications like bioimaging and biolabelling.

Emission Properties from ZnO Quantum Dots Dispersed in SiO2 Matrix

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Panigrahi, Shrabani; Basak, Durga

2011-07-01

Dispersion of ZnO quantum dots in SiO2 matrix has been achieved in two techniques based on StÖber method to form ZnO QDs-SiO2 nanocomposites. Sample A is formed with random dispersion by adding tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) to an ethanolic solution of ZnO nanoparticles and sample B is formed with a chain-like ordered dispersion by adding ZnO nanoparticles to an already hydrolyzed ethanolic TEOS solution. The photoluminescence spectra of the as-grown nanocomposites show strong emission in the ultraviolet region. When annealed at higher temperature, depending on the sample type, these show strong red or white emission. Interestingly, when the excitation is removed, the orderly dispersed ZnO QDs-SiO2 composite shows a very bright blue fluorescence visible by naked eyes for few seconds indicating their promise for display applications.

Revealing the synergetic effects in Ni nanoparticle-carbon nanotube hybrids by scanning transmission X-ray microscopy and their application in the hydrolysis of ammonia borane.

PubMed

Zhao, Guanqi; Zhong, Jun; Wang, Jian; Sham, Tsun-Kong; Sun, Xuhui; Lee, Shuit-Tong

2015-06-07

The hybrids of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and the supported Ni nanoparticles (NPs) have been studied by scanning transmission X-ray microscopy (STXM) and tested by the hydrolysis reaction of ammonia borane (AB, NH3BH3). Data clearly showed the existence of a strong interaction between Ni NPs and thin CNTs (C-O-Ni bonds), which favored the tunable (buffer) electronic structure of Ni NPs facilitating the catalytic process. The hydrolysis process of AB confirmed the hypothesis that the hybrids with a strong interfacial interaction would show superior catalytic performance, while the hybrids with a weak interfacial interaction show poor performance. Our results provide a wealth of detailed information regarding the electronic structure of the NP-CNT hybrids and provide guidance towards the rational design of high-performance catalysts for energy applications.

Oxidative stress mediated cytotoxicity of biologically synthesized silver nanoparticles in human lung epithelial adenocarcinoma cell line

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Han, Jae Woong; Gurunathan, Sangiliyandi; Jeong, Jae-Kyo; Choi, Yun-Jung; Kwon, Deug-Nam; Park, Jin-Ki; Kim, Jin-Hoi

2014-09-01

The goal of the present study was to investigate the toxicity of biologically prepared small size of silver nanoparticles in human lung epithelial adenocarcinoma cells A549. Herein, we describe a facile method for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles by treating the supernatant from a culture of Escherichia coli with silver nitrate . The formation of silver nanoparticles was characterized using various analytical techniques. The results from UV-visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis show a characteristic strong resonance centered at 420 nm and a single crystalline nature, respectively. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the possible bio-molecules responsible for the reduction of silver from silver nitrate into nanoparticles. The particle size analyzer and transmission electron microscopy results suggest that silver nanoparticles are spherical in shape with an average diameter of 15 nm. The results derived from in vitro studies showed a concentration-dependent decrease in cell viability when A549 cells were exposed to silver nanoparticles. This decrease in cell viability corresponded to increased leakage of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), increased intracellular reactive oxygen species generation (ROS), and decreased mitochondrial transmembrane potential (MTP). Furthermore, uptake and intracellular localization of silver nanoparticles were observed and were accompanied by accumulation of autophagosomes and autolysosomes in A549 cells. The results indicate that silver nanoparticles play a significant role in apoptosis. Interestingly, biologically synthesized silver nanoparticles showed more potent cytotoxicity at the concentrations tested compared to that shown by chemically synthesized silver nanoparticles. Therefore, our results demonstrated that human lung epithelial A549 cells could provide a valuable model to assess the cytotoxicity of silver nanoparticles.

Oxidative stress mediated cytotoxicity of biologically synthesized silver nanoparticles in human lung epithelial adenocarcinoma cell line

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

The goal of the present study was to investigate the toxicity of biologically prepared small size of silver nanoparticles in human lung epithelial adenocarcinoma cells A549. Herein, we describe a facile method for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles by treating the supernatant from a culture of Escherichia coli with silver nitrate. The formation of silver nanoparticles was characterized using various analytical techniques. The results from UV-visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis show a characteristic strong resonance centered at 420 nm and a single crystalline nature, respectively. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the possible bio-molecules responsible for the reduction of silver from silver nitrate into nanoparticles. The particle size analyzer and transmission electron microscopy results suggest that silver nanoparticles are spherical in shape with an average diameter of 15 nm. The results derived from in vitro studies showed a concentration-dependent decrease in cell viability when A549 cells were exposed to silver nanoparticles. This decrease in cell viability corresponded to increased leakage of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), increased intracellular reactive oxygen species generation (ROS), and decreased mitochondrial transmembrane potential (MTP). Furthermore, uptake and intracellular localization of silver nanoparticles were observed and were accompanied by accumulation of autophagosomes and autolysosomes in A549 cells. The results indicate that silver nanoparticles play a significant role in apoptosis. Interestingly, biologically synthesized silver nanoparticles showed more potent cytotoxicity at the concentrations tested compared to that shown by chemically synthesized silver nanoparticles. Therefore, our results demonstrated that human lung epithelial A549 cells could provide a valuable model to assess the cytotoxicity of silver nanoparticles. PMID:25242904

Green synthesis and characterization of zinc oxide nanoparticle using insulin plant (Costus pictus D. Don) and investigation of its antimicrobial as well as anticancer activities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Suresh, Joghee; Pradheesh, Ganeshan; Alexramani, Vincent; Sundrarajan, Mahalingam; Hong, Sun Ig

2018-03-01

In this work we aim to synthesize biocompatible ZnO nanoparticles from the zinc nitrate via green process using leaf extracts of the Costus pictus D. Don medicinal plant. FTIR studies confirm the presence of biomolecules and metal oxides. X-ray diffraction (XRD) structural analysis reveals the formation of pure hexagonal phase structures of ZnO nanoparticles. The surface morphologies of ZnO nanoparticles observed under a scanning electron microscope (SEM) suggest that most ZnO crystallites are hexagonal. EDX analysis confirms the presence of primarily zinc and oxygen. TEM images show that biosynthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles are hexagonal and spherical. The plausible formation mechanisms of zinc oxide nanoparticles are also predicted. The biosynthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles exhibit strong antimicrobial behavior against bacterial and fungal species when employing the agar diffusion method. Synthesized ZnO nanoparticles exhibit anticancer activity against Daltons lymphoma ascites (DLA) cells as well as antimicrobial activity against some bacterial and fungal strains.

CMC stabilized nano silver synthesis, characterization and its antibacterial and synergistic effect with broad spectrum antibiotics.

PubMed

Prema, P; Thangapandiyan, S; Immanuel, G

2017-02-20

In the present study silver nanoparticles were synthesized by reduction of AgNO 3 using aqueous CMC solution, which acts as both reducing and capping agent. The formation of AgNO 3 nanoparticles was observed visually by color change and these nanoparticles were characterized through UV-vis spectroscopy, FTIR, XRD, SEM, EDS and AFM. The FTIR peaks observed to be ranging from 3300 to 605cm -1 . The AFM image clearly showed the surface morphology of well dispersed nanoparticles. SEM image illustrates the nanoparticles with spherical shape. The crystalline nature of the particles was assured by XRD analysis. The antimicrobial activity of nanoparticles was tested against human bacterial pathogens (Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, S. epidermidis, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhimurium &Vibrio vulnificus). The bacterial growth was highly inhibited by the nanoparticles. The synergistic effect of nanoparticles in combination with selected broad spectrum antibiotics against the tested bacteria determined strong growth inhibitory activity. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Insulin-loaded pH-sensitive hyaluronic acid nanoparticles enhance transcellular delivery.

PubMed

Han, Lina; Zhao, Yuefang; Yin, Lifang; Li, Ruiming; Liang, Yang; Huang, Huan; Pan, Shirong; Wu, Chuanbin; Feng, Min

2012-09-01

In the present study, we developed novel insulin-loaded hyaluronic acid (HA) nanoparticles for insulin delivery. The insulin-loaded HA nanoparticles were prepared by reverse-emulsion-freeze-drying method. This method led to a homogenous population of small HA nanoparticles with average size of 182.2 nm and achieved high insulin entrapment efficiencies (approximately 95%). The pH-sensitive HA nanoparticles as an oral delivery carrier showed advantages in protecting insulin against the strongly acidic environment of the stomach, and not destroying the junction integrity of epithelial cells which promise long-term safety for chronic insulin treatment. The results of transport experiments suggested that insulin-loaded HA nanoparticles were transported across Caco-2 cell monolayers mainly via transcellular pathway and their apparent permeability coefficient from apical to basolateral had more than twofold increase compared with insulin solution. The efflux ratio of P (app) (B to A) to P (app) (A to B) less than 1 demonstrated that HA nanoparticle-mediated transport of insulin across Caco-2 cell monolayers underwent active transport. The results of permeability through the rat small intestine confirmed that HA nanoparticles significantly enhanced insulin transport through the duodenum and ileum. Diabetic rats treated with oral insulin-loaded HA nanoparticles also showed stronger hypoglycemic effects than insulin solution. Therefore, these HA nanoparticles could be a promising candidate for oral insulin delivery.

Towards Preserving the Immunogenicity of Protein Antigens Carried by Nanoparticles While Avoiding the Cold Chain

PubMed Central

Sloat, Brian R.; Sandoval, Michael A.; Cui, Zhengrong

2010-01-01

Nanoparticles are an attractive vaccine carrier with potent adjuvant activity. Data from our previous studies showed that immunization of mice with lecithin/glyceryl monostearate-based nanoparticles with protein antigens conjugated onto their surface induced a strong, quick, and long-lasting antigen-specific immune response. In the present study, we evaluated the feasibility of preserving the immunogenicity of protein antigens carried by nanoparticles without refrigeration using these antigen-conjugated nanoparticles as a model. The nanoparticles were lyophilized, and the immunogenicity of the antigens was evaluated in a mouse model using bovine serum albumin or the Bacillus anthracis protective antigen protein as model antigens. With proper excipients, the nanoparticles can be lyophilized while maintaining the immunogenicity of the antigens. Moreover, the immunogenicity of the model antigen conjugated onto the nanoparticles was undamaged after a relatively extended period of storage at room temperature or under accelerated conditions (37°C) when the nanoparticles were lyophilized with 5% mannitol plus 1% polyvinylpyrrolidone. To our knowledge, the present study represents an early attempt to preserve the immunogenicity of the protein antigens carried by nanoparticles without refrigeration. PMID:20416366

Synthesis of 1 nm Pd Nanoparticles in a Microfluidic Reactor: Insights from in Situ X ray Absorption Fine Structure Spectroscopy and Small-Angle X ray Scattering

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Karim, Ayman M.; Al Hasan, Naila M.; Ivanov, Sergei A.

2015-06-11

In this paper we show that the temporal separation of nucleation and growth is not a necessary condition for the colloidal synthesis of monodisperse nanoparticles. The synthesis mechanism of Pd nanoparticles was determined by in situ XAFS and SAXS in a microfluidic reactor capable of millisecond up to an hour time resolution. The SAXS results showed two autocatalytic growth phases, a fast growth phase followed by a very slow growth phase. The steady increase in the number of particles throughout the two growth phases indicates the synthesis is limited by slow continuous nucleation. The transition from fast to slow growthmore » was caused by rapid increase in bonding with the capping agent as shown by XAFS. Based on this fundamental understanding of the synthesis mechanism, we show that 1 nm monodisperse Pd nanoparticles can be synthesized at low temperature using a strong binding capping agent such as trioctylphosphine (TOP).« less

Revealing the synergetic effects in Ni nanoparticle-carbon nanotube hybrids by scanning transmission X-ray microscopy and their application in the hydrolysis of ammonia borane

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Guanqi; Zhong, Jun; Wang, Jian; Sham, Tsun-Kong; Sun, Xuhui; Lee, Shuit-Tong

2015-05-01

The hybrids of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and the supported Ni nanoparticles (NPs) have been studied by scanning transmission X-ray microscopy (STXM) and tested by the hydrolysis reaction of ammonia borane (AB, NH3BH3). Data clearly showed the existence of a strong interaction between Ni NPs and thin CNTs (C-O-Ni bonds), which favored the tunable (buffer) electronic structure of Ni NPs facilitating the catalytic process. The hydrolysis process of AB confirmed the hypothesis that the hybrids with a strong interfacial interaction would show superior catalytic performance, while the hybrids with a weak interfacial interaction show poor performance. Our results provide a wealth of detailed information regarding the electronic structure of the NP-CNT hybrids and provide guidance towards the rational design of high-performance catalysts for energy applications.The hybrids of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and the supported Ni nanoparticles (NPs) have been studied by scanning transmission X-ray microscopy (STXM) and tested by the hydrolysis reaction of ammonia borane (AB, NH3BH3). Data clearly showed the existence of a strong interaction between Ni NPs and thin CNTs (C-O-Ni bonds), which favored the tunable (buffer) electronic structure of Ni NPs facilitating the catalytic process. The hydrolysis process of AB confirmed the hypothesis that the hybrids with a strong interfacial interaction would show superior catalytic performance, while the hybrids with a weak interfacial interaction show poor performance. Our results provide a wealth of detailed information regarding the electronic structure of the NP-CNT hybrids and provide guidance towards the rational design of high-performance catalysts for energy applications. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Magnified TEM images, high resolution TEM images and the particle size distributions of the samples, the STXM results of a thick tube at different positions, XPS results, stability test. See DOI: 10.1039/c5nr01168j

Drug Synergy of Tenofovir and Nanoparticle-Based Antiretrovirals for HIV Prophylaxis

PubMed Central

Chaowanachan, Thanyanan; Krogstad, Emily; Ball, Cameron; Woodrow, Kim A.

2013-01-01

Background The use of drug combinations has revolutionized the treatment of HIV but there is no equivalent combination product that exists for prevention, particularly for topical HIV prevention. Strategies to combine chemically incompatible agents may facilitate the discovery of unique drug-drug activities, particularly unexplored combination drug synergy. We fabricated two types of nanoparticles, each loaded with a single antiretroviral (ARV) that acts on a specific step of the viral replication cycle. Here we show unique combination drug activities mediated by our polymeric delivery systems when combined with free tenofovir (TFV). Methodology/Principal Findings Biodegradable poly(lactide-co-glycolide) nanoparticles loaded with efavirenz (NP-EFV) or saquinavir (NP-SQV) were individually prepared by emulsion or nanoprecipitation techniques. Nanoparticles had reproducible size (d ∼200 nm) and zeta potential (-25 mV). The drug loading of the nanoparticles was approximately 7% (w/w). NP-EFV and NP-SQV were nontoxic to TZM-bl cells and ectocervical explants. Both NP-EFV and NP-SQV exhibited potent protection against HIV-1 BaL infection in vitro. The HIV inhibitory effect of nanoparticle formulated ARVs showed up to a 50-fold reduction in the 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) compared to free drug. To quantify the activity arising from delivery of drug combinations, we calculated combination indices (CI) according to the median-effect principle. NP-EFV combined with free TFV demonstrated strong synergistic effects (CI50 = 0.07) at a 1∶50 ratio of IC50 values and additive effects (CI50 = 1.05) at a 1∶1 ratio of IC50 values. TFV combined with NP-SQV at a 1∶1 ratio of IC50 values also showed strong synergy (CI50 = 0.07). Conclusions ARVs with different physicochemical properties can be encapsulated individually into nanoparticles to potently inhibit HIV. Our findings demonstrate for the first time that combining TFV with either NP-EFV or NP-SQV results in pronounced combination drug effects, and emphasize the potential of nanoparticles for the realization of unique drug-drug activities. PMID:23630586

Ordering nanoparticles with polymer brushes

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Cheng, Shengfeng; Stevens, Mark J.; Grest, Gary S.

Ordering nanoparticles into a desired super-structure is often crucial for their technological applications. We use molecular dynamics simulations to study the assembly of nanoparticles in a polymer brush randomly grafted to a planar surface as the solvent evaporates. Initially, the nanoparticles are dispersed in a solvent that wets the polymer brush. After the solvent evaporates, the nanoparticles are either inside the brush or adsorbed at the surface of the brush, depending on the strength of the nanoparticle-polymer interaction. For strong nanoparticle-polymer interactions, a 2-dimensional ordered array is only formed when the brush density is finely tuned to accommodate a singlemore » layer of nanoparticles. When the brush density is higher or lower than this optimal value, the distribution of nanoparticles shows large fluctuations in space and the packing order diminishes. For weak nanoparticle-polymer interactions, the nanoparticles order into a hexagonal array on top of the polymer brush as long as the grafting density is high enough to yield a dense brush. As a result, an interesting healing effect is observed for a low-grafting-density polymer brush that can become more uniform in the presence of weakly adsorbed nanoparticles.« less

Ordering nanoparticles with polymer brushes

DOE PAGES

Cheng, Shengfeng; Stevens, Mark J.; Grest, Gary S.

2017-12-08

Ordering nanoparticles into a desired super-structure is often crucial for their technological applications. We use molecular dynamics simulations to study the assembly of nanoparticles in a polymer brush randomly grafted to a planar surface as the solvent evaporates. Initially, the nanoparticles are dispersed in a solvent that wets the polymer brush. After the solvent evaporates, the nanoparticles are either inside the brush or adsorbed at the surface of the brush, depending on the strength of the nanoparticle-polymer interaction. For strong nanoparticle-polymer interactions, a 2-dimensional ordered array is only formed when the brush density is finely tuned to accommodate a singlemore » layer of nanoparticles. When the brush density is higher or lower than this optimal value, the distribution of nanoparticles shows large fluctuations in space and the packing order diminishes. For weak nanoparticle-polymer interactions, the nanoparticles order into a hexagonal array on top of the polymer brush as long as the grafting density is high enough to yield a dense brush. As a result, an interesting healing effect is observed for a low-grafting-density polymer brush that can become more uniform in the presence of weakly adsorbed nanoparticles.« less

Diatomite silica nanoparticles for drug delivery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ruggiero, Immacolata; Terracciano, Monica; Martucci, Nicola M.; De Stefano, Luca; Migliaccio, Nunzia; Tatè, Rosarita; Rendina, Ivo; Arcari, Paolo; Lamberti, Annalisa; Rea, Ilaria

2014-07-01

Diatomite is a natural fossil material of sedimentary origin, constituted by fragments of diatom siliceous skeletons. In this preliminary work, the properties of diatomite nanoparticles as potential system for the delivery of drugs in cancer cells were exploited. A purification procedure, based on thermal treatments in strong acid solutions, was used to remove inorganic and organic impurities from diatomite and to make them a safe material for medical applications. The micrometric diatomite powder was reduced in nanoparticles by mechanical crushing, sonication, and filtering. Morphological analysis performed by dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy reveals a particles size included between 100 and 300 nm. Diatomite nanoparticles were functionalized by 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane and labeled by tetramethylrhodamine isothiocyanate. Different concentrations of chemically modified nanoparticles were incubated with cancer cells and confocal microscopy was performed. Imaging analysis showed an efficient cellular uptake and homogeneous distribution of nanoparticles in cytoplasm and nucleus, thus suggesting their potentiality as nanocarriers for drug delivery.

Fluorescent carbon and graphene oxide nanoparticles synthesized by the laser ablation in liquid

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Małolepszy, A.; Błonski, S.; Chrzanowska-Giżyńska, J.; Wojasiński, M.; Płocinski, T.; Stobinski, L.; Szymanski, Z.

2018-04-01

The results of synthesis of the fluorescent carbon dots (CDots) from graphite target and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanoparticles performed by the nanosecond laser ablation in polyethylene glycol 200 (PEG200) are shown. Two-step laser irradiation (first graphite target, next achieved suspension) revealed a very effective production of CDots. However, the ablation in PEG appeared to be effective with 1064 nm laser pulse in contrast to the ablation with 355 nm laser pulse. In the case of rGO nanoparticles similar laser irradiation procedure was less efficient. In both cases, received nanoparticles exhibited strong, broadband photoluminescence with a maximum dependent on the excitation wavelength. The size distribution for obtained CDots was evaluated using the DLS technique and HRTEM images. The results from both methods show quite good agreement in nanoparticle size estimation although the DLS method slightly overestimates nanoparticle's diameter.

Surface-independent antibacterial coating using silver nanoparticle-generating engineered mussel glue.

PubMed

Jo, Yun Kee; Seo, Jeong Hyun; Choi, Bong-Hyuk; Kim, Bum Jin; Shin, Hwa Hui; Hwang, Byeong Hee; Cha, Hyung Joon

2014-11-26

During implant surgeries, antibacterial agents are needed to prevent bacterial infections, which can cause the formation of biofilms between implanted materials and tissue. Mussel adhesive proteins (MAPs) derived from marine mussels are bioadhesives that show strong adhesion and coating ability on various surfaces even in wet environment. Here, we proposed a novel surface-independent antibacterial coating strategy based on the fusion of MAP to a silver-binding peptide, which can synthesize silver nanoparticles having broad antibacterial activity. This sticky recombinant fusion protein enabled the efficient coating on target surface and the easy generation of silver nanoparticles on the coated-surface under mild condition. The biosynthesized silver nanoparticles showed excellent antibacterial efficacy against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and also revealed good cytocompatibility with mammalian cells. In this coating strategy, MAP-silver binding peptide fusion proteins provide hybrid environment incorporating inorganic silver nanoparticle and simultaneously mediate the interaction of silver nanoparticle with surroundings. Moreover, the silver nanoparticles were fully synthesized on various surfaces including metal, plastic, and glass by a simple, surface-independent coating manner, and they were also successfully synthesized on a nanofiber surface fabricated by electrospinning of the fusion protein. Thus, this facile surface-independent silver nanoparticle-generating antibacterial coating has great potential to be used for the prevention of bacterial infection in diverse biomedical fields.

Anthelmintic activity of silver-extract nanoparticles synthesized from the combination of silver nanoparticles and M. charantia fruit extract.

PubMed

Rashid, Md Mamun Or; Ferdous, Jannatul; Banik, Sujan; Islam, Md Rabiul; Uddin, A H M Mazbah; Robel, Fataha Nur

2016-07-26

Present study has been conducted to know the anthelmintic activity of polyaniline coated silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) synthesized from Momordica charantia fruit extract. By reduction of AgNO3 in presence of NaBH4, silver nanoparticles were prepared. After mixing silver nanoparticles and extracts, coating was given on nanoparticles using polyaniline. Prepared nanoparticles were characterized by Visual, UV, FTIR spectroscopy, SEM techniques, and TEM analysis. The FTIR results implied that AgNPs were successfully synthesized and capped with bio-compounds present in the extract. The result showed that death times of worm were 35.12 ± 0.5 and 59.3 ± 0.3 minutes for M. charantia extract and Ag-nanoparticles individually. But when these two combined together, paralysis and death time fall drastically which were only 6.16 ± 0.6 and 9.1 ± 0.4 minutes respectively. Albendazole tablet was used as standard, which made worms death in 3.66 ± 0.1 minutes. Ag-Extract NPs showed strong anthelmintic activity against worm. This study has paved the way for further research to design new anthelmintic drug from the combination of M. charantia and AgNPs.

Stable tetragonal phase and magnetic properties of Fe-doped HfO2 nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sales, T. S. N.; Cavalcante, F. H. M.; Bosch-Santos, B.; Pereira, L. F. D.; Cabrera-Pasca, G. A.; Freitas, R. S.; Saxena, R. N.; Carbonari, A. W.

2017-05-01

In this paper, the effect in structural and magnetic properties of iron doping with concentration of 20% in hafnium dioxide (HfO2) nanoparticles is investigated. HfO2 is a wide band gap oxide with great potential to be used as high-permittivity gate dielectrics, which can be improved by doping. Nanoparticle samples were prepared by sol-gel chemical method and had their structure, morphology, and magnetic properties, respectively, investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with electron back scattering diffraction (EBSD), and magnetization measurements. TEM and SEM results show size distribution of particles in the range from 30 nm to 40 nm with small dispersion. Magnetization measurements show the blocking temperature at around 90 K with a strong paramagnetic contribution. XRD results show a major tetragonal phase (94%).

Synthesis of Lithium Metal Oxide Nanoparticles by Induction Thermal Plasmas.

PubMed

Tanaka, Manabu; Kageyama, Takuya; Sone, Hirotaka; Yoshida, Shuhei; Okamoto, Daisuke; Watanabe, Takayuki

2016-04-06

Lithium metal oxide nanoparticles were synthesized by induction thermal plasma. Four different systems-Li-Mn, Li-Cr, Li-Co, and Li-Ni-were compared to understand formation mechanism of Li-Me oxide nanoparticles in thermal plasma process. Analyses of X-ray diffractometry and electron microscopy showed that Li-Me oxide nanoparticles were successfully synthesized in Li-Mn, Li-Cr, and Li-Co systems. Spinel structured LiMn₂O₄ with truncated octahedral shape was formed. Layer structured LiCrO₂ or LiCoO₂ nanoparticles with polyhedral shapes were also synthesized in Li-Cr or Li-Co systems. By contrast, Li-Ni oxide nanoparticles were not synthesized in the Li-Ni system. Nucleation temperatures of each metal in the considered system were evaluated. The relationship between the nucleation temperature and melting and boiling points suggests that the melting points of metal oxides have a strong influence on the formation of lithium metal oxide nanoparticles. A lower melting temperature leads to a longer reaction time, resulting in a higher fraction of the lithium metal oxide nanoparticles in the prepared nanoparticles.

Antioxidant Potential and Antibacterial Efficiency of Caffeic Acid-Functionalized ZnO Nanoparticles

PubMed Central

Choi, Kyong-Hoon; Nam, Ki Chang; Lee, Sang-Yoon; Cho, Guangsup; Jung, Jin-Seung; Kim, Ho-Joong; Park, Bong Joo

2017-01-01

We report a novel zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticle with antioxidant properties, prepared by immobilizing the antioxidant 3-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-propenoic acid (caffeic acid, CA) on the surfaces of micro-dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma-treated ZnO nanoparticles. The microstructure and physical properties of ZnO@CA nanoparticles were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), infrared spectroscopy, and steady state spectroscopic methods. The antioxidant activity of ZnO@CA nanoparticles was evaluated using an ABTS (3-ethyl-benzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radical cation decolorization assay. ZnO@CA nanoparticles exhibited robust antioxidant activity. Moreover, ZnO@CA nanoparticles showed strong antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus) including resistant bacteria such as methicillin-resistant S. aureus and against Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli). Although Gram-negative bacteria appeared to be more resistant to ZnO@CA nanoparticles than Gram-positive bacteria, the antibacterial activity of ZnO@CA nanoparticles was dependent on particle concentration. The antioxidant and antibacterial activity of ZnO@CA may be useful for various biomedical and nanoindustrial applications. PMID:28621707

Influence of Temperature on the Colloidal Stability of Polymer-Coated Gold Nanoparticles in Cell Culture Media.

PubMed

Zyuzin, Mikhail V; Honold, Tobias; Carregal-Romero, Susana; Kantner, Karsten; Karg, Matthias; Parak, Wolfgang J

2016-04-06

The temperature-dependence of the hydrodynamic diameter and colloidal stability of gold-polymer core-shell particles with temperature-sensitive (poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)) and temperature-insensitive shells (polyallylaminine hydrochloride/polystyrensulfonate, poly(isobutylene-alt-maleic anhydride)-graft-dodecyl) are investigated in various aqueous media. The data demonstrate that for all nanoparticle agglomeration, i.e., increase in effective nanoparticle size, the presence of salts or proteins in the dispersion media has to be taken into account. Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) coated nanoparticles show a reversible temperature-dependent increase in size above the volume phase transition of the polymer shell when they are dispersed in phosphate buffered saline or in media containing protein. In contrast, the nanoparticles coated with temperature-insensitive polymers show a time-dependent increase in size in phosphate buffered saline or in medium containing protein. This is due to time-dependent agglomeration, which is particularly strong in phosphate buffered saline, and induces a time-dependent, irreversible increase in the hydrodynamic diameter of the nanoparticles. This demonstrates that one has to distinguish between temperature- and time-induced agglomerations. Since the size of nanoparticles regulates their uptake by cells, temperature-dependent uptake of thermosensitive and non-thermosensitive nanoparticles by cells lines is compared. No temperature-specific difference between both types of nanoparticles could be observed. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Preparation of ZnO nanoparticles showing upconversion luminescence through simple chemical method

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Anjana, R.; Subha, P. P.; Markose, Kurias K.

2016-05-23

Upconversion luminescence is an interesting area while considering its applications in a vast variety of fields. Rare earth ions like erbium is the most studied and efficient candidate for achieving upconversion. Erbium and ytterbium co-doped ZnO nanoparticles were prepared through co-precipitation method. A strong red emission has been obtained while exciting with 980 nm laser. Dependence of luminescence emission colour on ytterbium concentration has been studied.

A novel approach to prepare optically active ion doped luminescent materials via electron beam evaporation into ionic liquids

DOE PAGES

Richter, K.; Lorbeer, C.; Mudring, A. -V.

2014-11-10

A novel approach to prepare luminescent materials via electron-beam evaporation into ionic liquids is presented which even allows doping of host lattices with ions that have a strong size mismatch. Thus, to prove this, MgF 2 nanoparticles doped with Eu 3+ were fabricated. The obtained nanoparticles featured an unusually high luminescence lifetime and the obtained material showed a high potential for application.

Plasmonic properties of Ag nanoparticles embedded in GeO2-SiO2 matrix by atom beam sputtering.

PubMed

Mohapatra, Satyabrata

2016-02-07

Nanocomposite thin films containing Ag nanoparticles embedded in the GeO2-SiO2 matrix were synthesized by the atom beam co-sputtering technique. The structural, optical and plasmonic properties and the chemical composition of the nanocomposite thin films were studied by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), UV-visible absorption spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). UV-visible absorption studies on Ag-SiO2 nanocomposites revealed the presence of a strong localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) peak characteristic of Ag nanoparticles at 413 nm, which showed a blue shift of 26 nm (413 to 387 nm) along with a significant broadening and drastic decrease in intensity with the incorporation of 16 at% of Ge into the SiO2 matrix. TEM studies on Ag-GeO2-SiO2 nanocomposite thin films confirmed the presence of Ag nanoparticles with an average size of 3.8 nm in addition to their aggregates with an average size of 16.2 nm. Thermal annealing in air resulted in strong enhancement in the intensity of the LSPR peak, which showed a regular red shift of 51 nm (from 387 to 438 nm) with the increase in annealing temperature up to 500 °C. XPS studies showed that annealing in air resulted in oxidation of excess Ge atoms in the nanocomposite into GeO2. Our work demonstrates the possibility of controllably tuning the LSPR of Ag nanoparticles embedded in the GeO2-SiO2 matrix by single-step thermal annealing, which is interesting for optical applications.

Multifunctional magnetic and fluorescent core-shell nanoparticles for bioimaging.

PubMed

Lu, Yanjiao; He, Bicheng; Shen, Jie; Li, Jie; Yang, Wantai; Yin, Meizhen

2015-02-07

Novel magnetic and fluorescent core-shell nanoparticles have been fabricated, which exhibit superparamagnetic behavior and emit strong near-infrared fluorescence. The nanoparticles are highly biocompatible and can be internalized into cells with nucleic accumulation via strong interaction with nucleic acids, implying potential applications in the biomedical field.

Structure and magnetic properties of Fe-Co nanoparticles prepared by polyol method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lam, Nguyen Mau; Thi, Tran Minh; Thanh, Pham Thi; Yen, Nguyen Hai; Dan, Nguyen Huy

2018-03-01

Fe100-xCox (x = 25 - 45) nanoparticles have been successfully prepared from FeCl2 and Co(C2H3O2)2 by thermal decomposition process in solution of polyethylene glycol and NaOH (polyol method). The influence of pH level and Co concentration on structure and magnetic properties of the Fe-Co nanoparticles were investigated. The X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) results confirm the formation of a body centered cubic single phase of the Fe(Co) nanoparticles. The Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) images show the grain size of the samples is about 60 nm. Saturation magnetization the Fe-Co nanoparticles strongly depends on the Co concentration and pH level in the fabrication process. The optimal pH level and Co concentration for the Fe-Co nanoparticles were found to be 7 and 35 at%, respectively. A quite high saturation magnetization of 228 emu/g has been achieved for the Fe-Co nanoparticles.

Kinetics of aggregation in charged nanoparticle solutions driven by different mechanisms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abbas, S.; Yadav, I.; Kumar, Sugam; Aswal, V. K.; Kohlbrecher, J.

2017-05-01

The structure and kinetics during aggregation of anionic silica nanoparticles as induced through different mechanisms have been studied by dynamic light scattering (DLS) and small-angle neutron scattering (SANS). Three different additives, namely an electrolyte (NaCl), cationic protein (lysozyme) and non-ionic surfactant (C12E10) were used to initiate nanoparticle aggregation. Electrolyte induced aggregation can be explained by DLVO interaction, whereas depletion interaction (non-DLVO interaction) is found responsible for nanoparticle aggregation in case of non-ionic surfactant. Unlike these two cases, strong electrostatic attraction between nanoparticle and oppositely charged protein results into protein-mediated nanoparticle aggregation. The electrolyte induced aggregation show quite slow aggregation rate whereas protein mediated as well as surfactant induced aggregation takes place almost instantaneously. The significant differences observed in the kinetics are explained based on range of interactions responsible for the aggregation. In spite of differences in mechanism and kinetics, the nanoparticle clusters are found to have similar fractal morphology (fractal dimension ˜ 2.5) in all the three cases.

Direct isolation of flavonoids from plants using ultra-small anatase TiO2 nanoparticles

PubMed Central

Kurepa, Jasmina; Nakabayashi, Ryo; Paunesku, Tatjana; Suzuki, Makoto; Saito, Kazuki; Woloschak, Gayle E.; Smalle, Jan A.

2013-01-01

Summary Surface functionalization of nanoparticles has become an important tool for the in vivo delivery of bioactive agents to their target sites. Here we describe the reverse strategy, nanoharvesting, in which nanoparticles are used as a tool to isolate and enrich bioactive compounds from living cells. Anatase TiO2 nanoparticles smaller than 20 nm form strong bonds with molecules carrying enediol and especially catechol groups. We show that these nanoparticles can enter plant cells, conjugate enediol and catechol group-rich flavonoids in situ, and exit plant cells as flavonoid-nanoparticle conjugates. The source plant tissues remain viable after treatment. As predicted by the surface chemistry of anatase TiO2 nanoparticles, the quercetin-based flavonoids were enriched amongst the nanoharvested flavonoid species. Nanoharvesting eliminates the use of organic solvents, allows spectral identification of the isolated compounds, and offers a new avenue for the use of nanomaterials for the coupled isolation and testing of bioactive properties of plant-made compounds. PMID:24147867

Synthesis and characterization of arsenic-doped cysteine-capped thoria-based nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pereira, F. J.; Díez, M. T.; Aller, A. J.

2013-09-01

Thoria materials have been largely used in the nuclear industry. Nonetheless, fluorescent thoria-based nanoparticles provide additional properties to be applied in other fields. Thoria-based nanoparticles, with and without arsenic and cysteine, were prepared in 1,2-ethanediol aqueous solutions by a simple precipitation procedure. The synthesized thoria-based nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (ED-XRS), Raman spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and fluorescence microscopy. The presence of arsenic and cysteine, as well as the use of a thermal treatment facilitated fluorescence emission of the thoria-based nanoparticles. Arsenic-doped and cysteine-capped thoria-based nanoparticles prepared in 2.5 M 1,2-ethanediol solutions and treated at 348 K showed small crystallite sizes and strong fluorescence. However, thoria nanoparticles subjected to a thermal treatment at 873 K also produced strong fluorescence with a very narrow size distribution and much smaller crystallite sizes, 5 nm being the average size as shown by XRD and TEM. The XRD data indicated that, even after doping of arsenic in the crystal lattice of ThO2, the samples treated at 873 K were phase pure with the fluorite cubic structure. The Raman and FT-IR spectra shown the most characteristics vibrational peaks of cysteine together with other peaks related to the bonds of this molecule to thoria and arsenic when present.

Magnetic resonance of the NiFe2O4 nanoparticles in the gigahertz range

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

We report an adjustable magnetic resonance frequency from 1.45 to 2.54 GHz for NiFe2O4 nanoparticles which were prepared by a sol–gel process. X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy results indicate that the samples are polycrystalline nanoparticles, and the size of the particles increases obviously with the thermal treatment temperature. The consequence of the surface composition suggests that the oxygen defects are present in the nanoparticle surface, and this surface magnetic state can show a strong surface anisotropy. With decreasing size of the particle, the surface magnetic effect is predominant, resulting in an increase of resonance frequency for NiFe2O4 nanoparticles. This finding provides a new route for NiFe2O4 materials that can be used in the gigahertz range. PMID:24083340

Magnet-induced temporary superhydrophobic coatings from one-pot synthesized hydrophobic magnetic nanoparticles.

PubMed

Fang, Jian; Wang, Hongxia; Xue, Yuhua; Wang, Xungai; Lin, Tong

2010-05-01

In this paper, we report on the production of superhydrophobic coatings on various substrates (e.g., glass slide, silicon wafer, aluminum foil, plastic film, nanofiber mat, textile fabrics) using hydrophobic magnetic nanoparticles and a magnet-assembly technique. Fe(3)O(4) magnetic nanoparticles functionalized with a thin layer of fluoroalkyl silica on the surface were synthesized by one-step coprecipitation of Fe(2+)/Fe(3+) under an alkaline condition in the presence of a fluorinated alkyl silane. Under a magnetic field, the magnetic nanoparticles can be easily deposited on any solid substrate to form a thin superhydrophobic coating with water contact angle as high as 172 degrees , and the surface superhydrophobicity showed very little dependence on the substrate type. The particulate coating showed reasonable durability because of strong aggregation effect of nanoparticles, but the coating layer can be removed (e.g., by ultrasonication) to restore the original surface feature of the substrates. By comparison, the thin particle layer deposited under no magnetic field showed much lower hydrophobicity. The main reason for magnet-induced superhydrophobic surfaces is the formation of nano- and microstructured surface features. Such a magnet-induced temporary superhydrophobic coating may have wide applications in electronic, biomedical, and defense-related areas.

Influence of Surface Roughness on Strong Light-Matter Interaction of a Quantum Emitter-Metallic Nanoparticle System.

PubMed

Lu, Yu-Wei; Li, Ling-Yan; Liu, Jing-Feng

2018-05-08

We investigate the quantum optical properties of strong light-matter interaction between a quantum emitter and a metallic nanoparticle beyond idealized structures with a smooth surface. Based on the local coupling strength and macroscopic Green's function, we derived an exact quantum optics approach to obtain the field enhancement and light-emission spectrum of a quantum emitter. Numerical simulations show that the surface roughness has a greater effect on the near-field than on the far-field, and slightly increases the vacuum Rabi splitting on average. Further, we verified that the near-field enhancement is mainly determined by the surface features of hot-spot area.

Plasmonic and silicon spherical nanoparticle antireflective coatings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baryshnikova, K. V.; Petrov, M. I.; Babicheva, V. E.; Belov, P. A.

2016-03-01

Over the last decade, plasmonic antireflecting nanostructures have been extensively studied to be utilized in various optical and optoelectronic systems such as lenses, solar cells, photodetectors, and others. The growing interest to all-dielectric photonics as an alternative optical technology along with plasmonics motivates us to compare antireflective properties of plasmonic and all-dielectric nanoparticle coatings based on silver and crystalline silicon respectively. Our simulation results for spherical nanoparticles array on top of amorphous silicon show that both silicon and silver coatings demonstrate strong antireflective properties in the visible spectral range. For the first time, we show that zero reflectance from the structure with silicon coatings originates from the destructive interference of electric- and magnetic-dipole responses of nanoparticle array with the wave reflected from the substrate, and we refer to this reflection suppression as substrate-mediated Kerker effect. We theoretically compare the silicon and silver coating effectiveness for the thin-film photovoltaic applications. Silver nanoparticles can be more efficient, enabling up to 30% increase of the overall absorbance in semiconductor layer. Nevertheless, silicon coatings allow up to 64% absorbance increase in the narrow band spectral range because of the substrate-mediated Kerker effect, and band position can be effectively tuned by varying the nanoparticles sizes.

In vivo evaluation of toxicity and antiviral activity of polyrhodanine nanoparticles by using the chicken embryo model.

PubMed

Nazaktabar, Ahmad; Lashkenari, Mohammad Soleimani; Araghi, Atefeh; Ghorbani, Mohsen; Golshahi, Hannaneh

2017-10-01

Evaluation of the potential cytotoxicity of polyrhodanine nanoparticles is an important factor for its biological applications. In current study, for the first time histopathological and biochemical analysis of polyrhodanine besides of its antiviral activity against Newcastle disease virus (NDV) were examined on chicken embryo model. Polyrhodanine was synthesized by the chemical oxidative polymerization method. The obtained nanoparticles were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR). Different doses of polyrhodanine nanoparticles were injected into the albumen in 4-day-old embryonic eggs for groups: (0.1ppm, 1ppm, 10ppm and 100ppm), while the Control group received only normal saline. The gross examination of chicks revealed no abnormality. No pathological changes were detected in microscopical examination of the liver, kidney, spleen, heart, bursa of Fabricius and central nervous system tissues. Blood serum biochemical indices showed no significant differences between control and treatment groups. Interestingly, polyrhodanine nanoparticles showed strong antiviral activity against NDV in ovo. These preliminary findings suggest that polyrhodanine nanoparticles without any toxicity effect could be utilized in controlling Newcastle disease in chickens. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Plasmonic and silicon spherical nanoparticle antireflective coatings

PubMed Central

Baryshnikova, K. V.; Petrov, M. I.; Babicheva, V. E.; Belov, P. A.

2016-01-01

Over the last decade, plasmonic antireflecting nanostructures have been extensively studied to be utilized in various optical and optoelectronic systems such as lenses, solar cells, photodetectors, and others. The growing interest to all-dielectric photonics as an alternative optical technology along with plasmonics motivates us to compare antireflective properties of plasmonic and all-dielectric nanoparticle coatings based on silver and crystalline silicon respectively. Our simulation results for spherical nanoparticles array on top of amorphous silicon show that both silicon and silver coatings demonstrate strong antireflective properties in the visible spectral range. For the first time, we show that zero reflectance from the structure with silicon coatings originates from the destructive interference of electric- and magnetic-dipole responses of nanoparticle array with the wave reflected from the substrate, and we refer to this reflection suppression as substrate-mediated Kerker effect. We theoretically compare the silicon and silver coating effectiveness for the thin-film photovoltaic applications. Silver nanoparticles can be more efficient, enabling up to 30% increase of the overall absorbance in semiconductor layer. Nevertheless, silicon coatings allow up to 64% absorbance increase in the narrow band spectral range because of the substrate-mediated Kerker effect, and band position can be effectively tuned by varying the nanoparticles sizes. PMID:26926602

Preparation and characterization of biocompatible silver nanoparticles using pomegranate peel extract.

PubMed

Nasiriboroumand, Majid; Montazer, Majid; Barani, Hossein

2018-02-01

The potential application of any nanoparticles, including silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), strongly depends on their stability against aggregation. In the current study, an aqueous extract of pomegranate peel was used as a stabilizer during synthesis of AgNPs. Nanoparticles have been prepared by the chemical reduction method from an aqueous solution of silver nitrate in the presence of sodium borohydride as a reducing agent. The AgNPs were characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS), zeta-potential measurements, UV-Vis spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The antibacterial efficiency of AgNPs against Escherichia coli was investigated. The size, polydispersity index, FWHM, and colloidal stability of nanoparticles in dispersion depends on the extract concentrations. In the presence of pomegranate peel extract, the nanoparticles suspension shows colloidal stability at least for a week. Our studies show that synthesized AgNPs with the above described procedure were stable at pH = 3-12 and in the temperature range of 25-85 °C. Additionally, AgNPs exhibit antibacterial properties, especially at the lowest amount of extract to silver ratio (K Extract/Ag ). Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Towards preserving the immunogenicity of protein antigens carried by nanoparticles while avoiding the cold chain.

PubMed

Sloat, Brian R; Sandoval, Michael A; Cui, Zhengrong

2010-06-30

Nanoparticles are an attractive vaccine carrier with potent adjuvant activity. Data from our previous studies showed that immunization of mice with lecithin/glyceryl monostearate-based nanoparticles with protein antigens conjugated onto their surface induced a strong, quick, and long-lasting antigen-specific immune response. In the present study, we evaluated the feasibility of preserving the immunogenicity of protein antigens carried by nanoparticles without refrigeration using these antigen-conjugated nanoparticles as a model. The nanoparticles were lyophilized, and the immunogenicity of the antigens was evaluated in a mouse model using bovine serum albumin or the Bacillus anthracis protective antigen protein as model antigens. With proper excipients, the nanoparticles can be lyophilized while maintaining the immunogenicity of the antigens. Moreover, the immunogenicity of the model antigen conjugated onto the nanoparticles was undamaged after a relatively extended period of storage at room temperature or under accelerated conditions (37 degrees C) when the nanoparticles were lyophilized with 5% mannitol plus 1% polyvinylpyrrolidone. To our knowledge, the present study represents an early attempt to preserve the immunogenicity of the protein antigens carried by nanoparticles without refrigeration. 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Bioluminescent magnetic nanoparticles as potential imaging agents for mammalian spermatozoa.

PubMed

Vasquez, Erick S; Feugang, Jean M; Willard, Scott T; Ryan, Peter L; Walters, Keisha B

2016-03-17

Nanoparticles have emerged as key materials for developing applications in nanomedicine, nanobiotechnology, bioimaging and theranostics. Existing bioimaging technologies include bioluminescent resonance energy transfer-conjugated quantum dots (BRET-QDs). Despite the current use of BRET-QDs for bioimaging, there are strong concerns about QD nanocomposites containing cadmium which exhibits potential cellular toxicity. In this study, bioluminescent composites comprised of magnetic nanoparticles and firefly luciferase (Photinus pyralis) are examined as potential light-emitting agents for imaging, detection, and tracking mammalian spermatozoa. Characterization was carried out using infrared spectroscopy, TEM and cryo-TEM imaging, and ζ-potential measurements to demonstrate the successful preparation of these nanocomposites. Binding interactions between the synthesized nanoparticles and spermatozoon were characterized using confocal and atomic/magnetic force microscopy. Bioluminescence imaging and UV-visible-NIR microscopy results showed light emission from sperm samples incubated with the firefly luciferase-modified nanoparticles. Therefore, these newly synthesized luciferase-modified magnetic nanoparticles show promise as substitutes for QD labeling, and can potentially also be used for in vivo manipulation and tracking, as well as MRI techniques. These preliminary data indicate that luciferase-magnetic nanoparticle composites can potentially be used for spermatozoa detection and imaging. Their magnetic properties add additional functionality to allow for manipulation, sorting, or tracking of cells using magnetic techniques.

Decorating multi-walled carbon nanotubes with nickel nanoparticles for selective hydrogenation of citral

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Tang Yuechao; Yang Dong; Qin Feng

The nanocomposites of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) decorated with nickel nanoparticles were conveniently prepared by a chemical reduction of nickel salt in the present of poly(acrylic acid) grafted MWNTs (PAA-g-MWNTs). Due to the strong interaction between Ni{sup 2+} and -COOH, PAA-g-MWNTs became an excellent supporting material for Ni nanoparticles. The morphology and distribution of Ni nanoparticles on the surface of MWNTs were greatly influenced by the reduction temperatures, the experimental results also showed that the distribution of Ni nanoparticles was greatly improved while the MWNTs were modified by poly(acrylic acid) (PAA). The hydrogenation activity and selectivity of MWNTs decorated withmore » Ni nanoparticles (Ni-MWNTs) for alpha, beta-unsaturated aldehyde (citral) were also studied, and the experimental results showed that the citronellal, an important raw material for flavoring and perfumery industries, is the favorable product with a percentage as high as 86.9%, which is 7 times higher than that of catalyst by Ni-supported active carbon (Ni-AC). - Abstract: Nickel nanoparticles decorated multi-walled carbon nanotubes (Ni-MWNTs) nanocomposites were conveniently prepared by a chemical reduction of nickel salt in the present of poly(acrylic acid) grafted MWNTs (PAA-g-MWNTs). These nanocomposites possessed excellent catalytic activity and selectivity for hydrogenation of citral.« less

Homogeneously dispersed CeO2 nanoparticles on exfoliated hexaniobate nanosheets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marques, Thalles M. F.; Strayer, Megan E.; Ghosh, Anupama; Silva, Alexandre; Ferreira, Odair P.; Fujisawa, Kazunori; Alves da Cunha, Jose R.; Abreu, Guilherme J. P.; Terrones, Mauricio; Mallouk, Thomas E.; Viana, Bartolomeu C.

2017-12-01

Hexaniobate nanosheets derived from the parent compound K4Nb6O17 have been decorated with CeO2 nanoparticles by ion exchange with aqueous cerium (IV) solution. Very homogeneous CeO2 nanoparticle decoration of the hexaniobate sheets can be achieved by this method and the resulting composites may absorb visible light. HRTEM images show that ∼3.0 nm diameter CeO2 nanoparticles adhere to hexaniobate nanosheets that are exfoliated and then restacked prior to Ce deposition. The interfacial interaction between CeO2 nanoparticles and nanosheets would be due to an electrostatic attraction mechanism. Raman and XRD measurements have given strong evidence that CeO2 nanoparticles have fluorite structure. EDS, FTIR and XPS results suggest almost complete exchange of TBA+ and K+ by Ce4+. Cerium ion exchange on the acid exchanged parent compound, H2.9K1.1Nb6O17, revealed that the extent of Ce ion exchange is much greater in case of nanosheets, which may be rationalized by the larger surface area available after exfoliation. XPS measurements show that the ratio of Ce4+/Ce3+ is around 4.4, in agreement with the formation of fluorite structure (CeO2). Thus, these CeO2 nanoparticle/nanosheet composites may be useful for catalytic processes.

Platinum nanoparticles: the crucial role of crystal face and colloid stabilizer in the diastereoselective hydrogenation of cinchonidine.

PubMed

Schmidt, Erik; Kleist, Wolfgang; Krumeich, Frank; Mallat, Tamas; Baiker, Alfons

2010-02-15

The preparation of stable metal nanoparticles requires a strong interaction between the (organic) stabilizer and the metal surface that might alter the catalytic properties. This behavior has been described as "poisoning" since the stabilizer normally decreases the catalytic activity due to site blocking. Here we show a striking influence of the stabilizer on the selectivity in the hydrogenation of cinchonidine (CD) over poly(acrylic acid) (PAA)-stabilized Pt nanoparticles with well-defined shape distributions. In the hydrogenation of the heteroaromatic ring of cinchonidine in toluene, the diastereomeric excess of the (S)-hexahydrocinchonidine increased upon increasing Pt{111}/Pt{100} ratio, but this distinct shape selectivity was observed only after the oxidative removal of PAA at 473 K. The use of the as-prepared nanoparticles inverted the major diastereomer to R, and this isomer was formed also in acetic acid. This striking change in the diastereoselectivity indicates that poly(acrylic acid), which remains on the Pt surface after preparation, interacts with CD during hydrogenation almost as strongly as the solvent acetic acid. The PAA stabilizer plays a dual role: it allows one to control the size and shape of the nanoparticles during their synthesis, and it affects the rate and diastereoselectivity of the hydrogenation of CD probably through a "surface-localized acidification".

Plasmonic near-touching titanium oxide nanoparticles to realize solar energy harvesting and effective local heating.

PubMed

Yan, Jiahao; Liu, Pu; Ma, Churong; Lin, Zhaoyong; Yang, Guowei

2016-04-28

Through the excitation of plasmon resonance, the energy of plasmonic nanoparticles either reradiates through light scattering or decays into energetic electrons (absorption). The plasmon-induced absorption can greatly enhance the efficiency of solar energy harvesting, local heating, photodetection and photocatalysis. Here, we demonstrate that heavily self-doped titanium oxide nanoparticles (TiO1.67 analogue arising from oxygen vacancies in rutile TiO2) with the plasmon resonance dominated by an interband transition shows strong absorption to build a broadband perfect absorber in the wavelength range from 300 to 2000 nm covering the solar irradiation spectrum completely. The absorptivity of the fabricated array is greater than 90% in the whole spectral range. And the broadband and strong absorption is due to the plasmon hybridization and hot spot generation from near-touching TiO1.67 nanoparticles with different sizes. What is more, the local heating of a TiO1.67 nanoparticle layer is fast and effective. The temperature increases quickly from 30 °C to 80 °C within 200 seconds. This local heating can realize rapid solar-enabled evaporation which can find applications in large-scale distillation and seawater desalination. These findings actually open a pathway for applications of these newly developed plasmonic materials in the energy and environment fields.

Aggregation in charged nanoparticles solutions induced by different interactions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abbas, S.; Kumar, Sugam; Aswal, V. K.; Kohlbrecher, J.

2016-05-01

Small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) has been used to study the aggregation of anionic silica nanoparticles as induced through different interactions. The nanoparticle aggregation is induced by addition of salt (NaCl), cationic protein (lysozyme) and non-ionic surfactant (C12E10) employing different kind of interactions. The results show that the interaction in presence of salt can be explained using DLVO theory whereas non-DLVO forces play important role for interaction of nanoparticles with protein and surfactant. The presence of salt screens the repulsion between charged nanoparticles giving rise to a net attraction in the DLVO potential. On the other hand, strong electrostatic attraction between nanoparticle and oppositely charged protein leads to protein-mediated nanoparticle aggregation. In case of non-ionic surfactant, the relatively long-range attractive depletion interaction is found to be responsible for the particle aggregation. Interestingly, the completely different interactions lead to similar kind of aggregate morphology. The nanoparticle aggregates formed are found to have mass fractal nature having a fractal dimension (~2.5) consistent with diffusion limited type of fractal morphology in all three cases.

Mechanical control of the plasmon coupling with Au nanoparticle arrays fixed on the elastomeric film via chemical bond

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bedogni, Elena; Kaneko, Satoshi; Fujii, Shintaro; Kiguchi, Manabu

2017-03-01

We have fabricated Au nanoparticle arrays on the flexible poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) film. The nanoparticles were bound to the film via a covalent bond by a ligand exchange reaction. Thanks to the strong chemical bonding, highly stable and uniformly dispersed Au nanoparticle arrays were fixed on the PDMS film. The Au nanoparticle arrays were characterized by the UV-vis, scanning electron microscope (SEM) and surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). The UV-vis and SEM measurements showed the uniformity of the surface-dispersed Au nanoparticles, and SERS measurement confirmed the chemistry of the PDMS film. Reflecting the high stability and the uniformity of the Au nanoparticle arrays, the plasmon wavelength of the Au nanoparticles reversely changed with modulation of the interparticle distance, which was induced by the stretching of the PDMS film. The plasmon wavelength linearly decreased from 664 to 591 nm by stretching of 60%. The plasmon wavelength shift can be explained by the change in the strength of the plasmon coupling which is mechanically controlled by the mechanical strain.

Aggregation in charged nanoparticles solutions induced by different interactions

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Abbas, S.; Kumar, Sugam; Aswal, V. K., E-mail: vkaswal@barc.gov.in

2016-05-23

Small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) has been used to study the aggregation of anionic silica nanoparticles as induced through different interactions. The nanoparticle aggregation is induced by addition of salt (NaCl), cationic protein (lysozyme) and non-ionic surfactant (C12E10) employing different kind of interactions. The results show that the interaction in presence of salt can be explained using DLVO theory whereas non-DLVO forces play important role for interaction of nanoparticles with protein and surfactant. The presence of salt screens the repulsion between charged nanoparticles giving rise to a net attraction in the DLVO potential. On the other hand, strong electrostatic attraction betweenmore » nanoparticle and oppositely charged protein leads to protein-mediated nanoparticle aggregation. In case of non-ionic surfactant, the relatively long-range attractive depletion interaction is found to be responsible for the particle aggregation. Interestingly, the completely different interactions lead to similar kind of aggregate morphology. The nanoparticle aggregates formed are found to have mass fractal nature having a fractal dimension (~2.5) consistent with diffusion limited type of fractal morphology in all three cases.« less

Eco-friendly approach for nanoparticles synthesis and mechanism behind antibacterial activity of silver and anticancer activity of gold nanoparticles.

PubMed

Patil, Maheshkumar Prakash; Kim, Gun-Do

2017-01-01

This review covers general information about the eco-friendly process for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNP) and gold nanoparticles (AuNP) and focuses on mechanism of the antibacterial activity of AgNPs and the anticancer activity of AuNPs. Biomolecules in the plant extract are involved in reduction of metal ions to nanoparticle in a one-step and eco-friendly synthesis process. Natural plant extracts contain wide range of metabolites including carbohydrates, alkaloids, terpenoids, phenolic compounds, and enzymes. A variety of plant species and plant parts have been successfully extracted and utilized for AgNP and AuNP syntheses. Green-synthesized nanoparticles eliminate the need for a stabilizing and capping agent and show shape and size-dependent biological activities. Here, we describe some of the plant extracts involved in nanoparticle synthesis, characterization methods, and biological applications. Nanoparticles are important in the field of pharmaceuticals for their strong antibacterial and anticancer activity. Considering the importance and uniqueness of this concept, the synthesis, characterization, and application of AgNPs and AuNPs are discussed in this review.

Ligand exchange synthesis of organometallic Rh nanoparticles and application in explosive sensing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Srivastav, Amit K.; Agrawal, Bhavesh; Swami, Bhavya; Agrawal, Yadvendra K.; Maity, Prasenjit

2017-06-01

Alkyne {phenyl acetylene (PA) and 9-ethynylphenanthrene (EPT)}-ligated Rh nanoparticles ( 1 and 2, respectively) with mean diameter of 1.5 ± 0.2 nm were synthesized via a facile and high-yield biphasic ligand exchange protocol using similar sized ethylene glycol (EG)-stabilized Rh nanoparticles as precursors (EG:Rh). The synthesized organometallic Rh nanoparticles were convincingly characterized using several spectroscopic and microscopic techniques, e.g., Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR), optical absorption spectroscopy (UV-Vis), photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL), powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and transmission electron microscope (TEM). We propose that the syntheses mechanism relies on catalytic acetylenic (≡C-H, carbon-hydrogen) bond breaking by EG:Rh followed by strong metal-carbon bond formation with a vinyldiene (>C═C═M) motif. The obtained 1 and 2 showed luminescence property, which arises from ligand structure through intraparticle conjugation. Electron-rich phenanthrene-ligated Rh nanoparticles ( 2) showed good sensing performance for detection of electron deficient nitro-aromatic explosive molecules (NA) in solution phase through luminescence quenching method.

Alteration of magnetic and optical properties of ultrafine dilute magnetic semiconductor ZnO:Co2+ nanoparticles.

PubMed

Sharma, Prashant K; Dutta, Ranu K; Pandey, Avinash C

2010-05-15

Single-phase ZnO:Co(2+) nanoparticles of mean size 2-8 nm were synthesized by a simple co-precipitation technique. X-ray diffraction analysis reveals that the Co-doped ZnO nanoparticles crystallize in wurtzite structure without any impurity phase. The wurtzite structure (lattice constants) of ZnO nanoparticles decrease slightly with increasing Co doping concentration. Optical absorption spectra show an increase in the band gap with increasing Co content and also give an evidence of the presence of Co(2+) ions at tetrahedral sites of ZnO and substituted for the Zn site with no evidence of metallic Co. Initially these nanoparticles showed strong ferromagnetic behavior at room temperature, however at higher doping percentage of Co(2+), the ferromagnetic behavior was suppressed, and antiferromagnetic nature was enhanced. The enhanced antiferromagnetic interaction between neighboring Co-Co ions suppressed the ferromagnetism at higher doping concentrations of Co(2+). Photoluminescence intensity owing to the vacancies varies with the Co concentration because of the increment of oxygen vacancies. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Stability and morphology of Ag nanoplatelets probed by depolarized dynamic light scattering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zimbone, M.; Contino, A.; Maccarrone, G.; Musumeci, P.; Lo Faro, M. J.; Calcagno, L.

2018-06-01

The stability of silver nanoplatelet (NP) suspensions prepared with different concentrations of trisodium citrate (TSC) was studied by depolarized dynamic light scattering (DDLS) and UV–vis spectrometry. The morphology of the nanoparticles, as well as the color and stability of the sols, are tuned by the concentration of the capping agent. The nanoparticles prepared with high TSC concentration (>10‑4 M) are blue triangular NPs showing a slight truncation of the tips with aging. When low TSC concentrations are used, the color of the sols changes from blue to yellow with aging time and a strong modification of the morphology occurs: the nanoparticle shape changes from triangular to spherical. Remarkably, they show a high degree of anisotropy. The aging process was followed by the UV–vis spectra and by measuring the rotational diffusion coefficient by DDLS, providing information on the nanoparticle size and shape evolution. The high intensity of depolarized signal and the high value of rotational diffusion coefficient suggest that the aging process increases the thickness and the roughness of the nanoparticles

Size dependent anomalous dielectric behavior in nanoparticle Gd2 O 3 : SiO2 glass composite system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mukherjee, Sudip; Lin, Yu-Hsing; Kao, Ting-Hui; Chou, C. C.; Yang, H. D.

2011-03-01

Gd 2 O3 (0.5 mol%) nanoparticles have been synthesized in a silica glass matrix by the sol-gel method at calcination temperatures of 700& circ; C and above. Compared with the parent material Si O2 , this nano-glass composite system shows enhancement of dielectric constant and diffuse phase transition along with magnetodielectric effect around room temperature. Observed conduction mechanism is found to be closely related to the thermally activated oxygen vacancies. Magnetodielectric behavior is strongly associated with magnetoresistance changes, depending on the nanoparticle size and separation. Such a material might be treated as a potential candidate for device miniaturization.

Direct Observation Of Nanoparticle-Surfactant Interactions Using Small Angle Neutron Scattering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumar, Sugam; Aswal, V. K.

2010-12-01

Interactions of anionic silica nanoparticles with anionic, cationic and nonionic surfactants have directly been studied by contrast variation small angle neutron scattering (SANS). The measurements are performed on 1 wt% of both silica nanoparticles and surfactants of anionic sodium dodecyle sulphate (SDS), cationic dodecyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (DTAB) and non-ionic polyoxyethylene 10 lauryl ether (C12E10) in aqueous solution. We show that there is no direct interaction in the case of SDS with silica particles, whereas strong interaction for DTAB leads to the aggregation of silica particles. The interaction of C12E10 is found through the micelles adsorbed on the silica particles.

Casein-Coated Fe5C2 Nanoparticles with Superior r2 Relaxivity for Liver-Specific Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

PubMed

Cowger, Taku A; Tang, Wei; Zhen, Zipeng; Hu, Kai; Rink, David E; Todd, Trever J; Wang, Geoffrey D; Zhang, Weizhong; Chen, Hongmin; Xie, Jin

2015-01-01

Iron oxide nanoparticles have been extensively used as T2 contrast agents for liver-specific magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The applications, however, have been limited by their mediocre magnetism and r2 relaxivity. Recent studies show that Fe5C2 nanoparticles can be prepared by high temperature thermal decomposition. The resulting nanoparticles possess strong and air stable magnetism, suggesting their potential as a novel type of T2 contrast agent. To this end, we improve the synthetic and surface modification methods of Fe5C2 nanoparticles, and investigated the impact of size and coating on their performances for liver MRI. Specifically, we prepared 5, 14, and 22 nm Fe5C2 nanoparticles and engineered their surface by: 1) ligand addition with phospholipids, 2) ligand exchange with zwitterion-dopamine-sulfonate (ZDS), and 3) protein adsorption with casein. It was found that the size and surface coating have varied levels of impact on the particles' hydrodynamic size, viability, uptake by macrophages, and r2 relaxivity. Interestingly, while phospholipid- and ZDS-coated Fe5C2 nanoparticles showed comparable r2, the casein coating led to an r2 enhancement by more than 2 fold. In particular, casein coated 22 nm Fe5C2 nanoparticle show a striking r2 of 973 mM(-1)s(-1), which is one of the highest among all of the T2 contrast agents reported to date. Small animal studies confirmed the advantage of Fe5C2 nanoparticles over iron oxide nanoparticles in inducing hypointensities on T2-weighted MR images, and the particles caused little toxicity to the host. The improvements are important for transforming Fe5C2 nanoparticles into a new class of MRI contrast agents. The observations also shed light on protein-based surface modification as a means to modulate contrast ability of magnetic nanoparticles.

Biosynthesis, Antimicrobial and Cytotoxic Effect of Silver Nanoparticles Using a Novel Nocardiopsis sp. MBRC-1

PubMed Central

Manivasagan, Panchanathan; Senthilkumar, Kalimuthu; Sivakumar, Kannan; Kim, Se-Kwon

2013-01-01

The biosynthesis of nanoparticles has been proposed as a cost effective environmental friendly alternative to chemical and physical methods. Microbial synthesis of nanoparticles is under exploration due to wide biomedical applications, research interest in nanotechnology and microbial biotechnology. In the present study, an ecofriendly process for the synthesis of nanoparticles using a novel Nocardiopsis sp. MBRC-1 has been attempted. We used culture supernatant of Nocardiopsis sp. MBRC-1 for the simple and cost effective green synthesis of silver nanoparticles. The reduction of silver ions occurred when silver nitrate solution was treated with the Nocardiopsis sp. MBRC-1 culture supernatant at room temperature. The nanoparticles were characterized by UV-visible, TEM, FE-SEM, EDX, FTIR, and XRD spectroscopy. The nanoparticles exhibited an absorption peak around 420 nm, a characteristic surface plasmon resonance band of silver nanoparticles. They were spherical in shape with an average particle size of 45 ± 0.15 nm. The EDX analysis showed the presence of elemental silver signal in the synthesized nanoparticles. The FTIR analysis revealed that the protein component in the form of enzyme nitrate reductase produced by the isolate in the culture supernatant may be responsible for reduction and as capping agents. The XRD spectrum showed the characteristic Bragg peaks of 1 2 3, 2 0 4, 0 4 3, 1 4 4, and 3 1 1 facets of the face centered cubic silver nanoparticles and confirms that these nanoparticles are crystalline in nature. The prepared silver nanoparticles exhibited strong antimicrobial activity against bacteria and fungi. Cytotoxicity of biosynthesized AgNPs against in vitro human cervical cancer cell line (HeLa) showed a dose-response activity. IC50 value was found to be 200 μg/mL of AgNPs against HeLa cancer cells. Further studies are needed to elucidate the toxicity and the mechanism involved with antimicrobial and anticancer activity of the synthesized AgNPs as nanomedicine. PMID:23936787

Biosynthesis, antimicrobial and cytotoxic effect of silver nanoparticles using a novel Nocardiopsis sp. MBRC-1.

PubMed

Manivasagan, Panchanathan; Venkatesan, Jayachandran; Senthilkumar, Kalimuthu; Sivakumar, Kannan; Kim, Se-Kwon

2013-01-01

The biosynthesis of nanoparticles has been proposed as a cost effective environmental friendly alternative to chemical and physical methods. Microbial synthesis of nanoparticles is under exploration due to wide biomedical applications, research interest in nanotechnology and microbial biotechnology. In the present study, an ecofriendly process for the synthesis of nanoparticles using a novel Nocardiopsis sp. MBRC-1 has been attempted. We used culture supernatant of Nocardiopsis sp. MBRC-1 for the simple and cost effective green synthesis of silver nanoparticles. The reduction of silver ions occurred when silver nitrate solution was treated with the Nocardiopsis sp. MBRC-1 culture supernatant at room temperature. The nanoparticles were characterized by UV-visible, TEM, FE-SEM, EDX, FTIR, and XRD spectroscopy. The nanoparticles exhibited an absorption peak around 420 nm, a characteristic surface plasmon resonance band of silver nanoparticles. They were spherical in shape with an average particle size of 45 ± 0.15 nm. The EDX analysis showed the presence of elemental silver signal in the synthesized nanoparticles. The FTIR analysis revealed that the protein component in the form of enzyme nitrate reductase produced by the isolate in the culture supernatant may be responsible for reduction and as capping agents. The XRD spectrum showed the characteristic Bragg peaks of 1 2 3, 2 0 4, 0 4 3, 1 4 4, and 3 1 1 facets of the face centered cubic silver nanoparticles and confirms that these nanoparticles are crystalline in nature. The prepared silver nanoparticles exhibited strong antimicrobial activity against bacteria and fungi. Cytotoxicity of biosynthesized AgNPs against in vitro human cervical cancer cell line (HeLa) showed a dose-response activity. IC50 value was found to be 200 μg/mL of AgNPs against HeLa cancer cells. Further studies are needed to elucidate the toxicity and the mechanism involved with antimicrobial and anticancer activity of the synthesized AgNPs as nanomedicine.

Direct optical measurement of light coupling into planar waveguide by plasmonic nanoparticles.

PubMed

Pennanen, Antti M; Toppari, J Jussi

2013-01-14

Coupling of light into a thin layer of high refractive index material by plasmonic nanoparticles has been widely studied for application in photovoltaic devices, such as thin-film solar cells. In numerous studies this coupling has been investigated through measurement of e.g. quantum efficiency or photocurrent enhancement. Here we present a direct optical measurement of light coupling into a waveguide by plasmonic nanoparticles. We investigate the coupling efficiency into the guided modes within the waveguide by illuminating the surface of a sample, consisting of a glass slide coated with a high refractive index planar waveguide and plasmonic nanoparticles, while directly measuring the intensity of the light emitted out of the waveguide edge. These experiments were complemented by transmittance and reflectance measurements. We show that the light coupling is strongly affected by thin-film interference, localized surface plasmon resonances of the nanoparticles and the illumination direction (front or rear).

Inhibition of Candida albicans biofilm by pure selenium nanoparticles synthesized by pulsed laser ablation in liquids.

PubMed

Guisbiers, Grégory; Lara, Humberto H; Mendoza-Cruz, Ruben; Naranjo, Guillermo; Vincent, Brandy A; Peralta, Xomalin G; Nash, Kelly L

2017-04-01

Selenoproteins play an important role in the human body by accomplishing essential biological functions like oxido-reductions, antioxidant defense, thyroid hormone metabolism and immune response; therefore, the possibility to synthesize selenium nanoparticles free of any contaminants is exciting for future nano-medical applications. This paper reports the first synthesis of selenium nanoparticles by femtosecond pulsed laser ablation in de-ionized water. Those pure nanoparticles have been successfully used to inhibit the formation of Candida albicans biofilms. Advanced electron microscopy images showed that selenium nanoparticles easily adhere on the biofilm, then penetrate into the pathogen, and consequently damage the cell structure by substituting with sulfur. 50% inhibition of Candida albicans biofilm was obtained at only 25 ppm. Finally, the two physical parameters proved to affect strongly the viability of Candida albicans are the crystallinity and particle size. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Microwave-assisted synthesis and characterization of nickel ferrite nanoparticles

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Carpenter, Gopal; Sen, Ravindra; Gupta, Nitish, E-mail: nitish.nidhi75@gmail.com

2015-08-28

Nickel ferrite nanoparticles (NiFe{sub 2}O{sub 4}) were successfully prepared by microwave-assisted combustion method (MWAC) using citric Electron acid as a chelating agent. NiFe{sub 2}O{sub 4} nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern, Scanning Microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and UV-Visible techniques. XRD analysis revealed that NiFe{sub 2}O{sub 4} nanoparticles have spinel cubic structure with the average crystalline size of 26.38 nm. SEM analysis revealed random and porous structural morphology of particles and FTIR showed absorption bands related to octahedral and tetrahedral sites, in the range 400–600cm{sup −1} which strongly favor the formation of NiFe{sub 2}O{sub 4} nanoparticles. The opticalmore » band gap is determined by UV Visible method and found to be 5.4 eV.« less

pH-dependent interaction and resultant structures of silica nanoparticles and lysozyme protein.

PubMed

Kumar, Sugam; Aswal, Vinod K; Callow, P

2014-02-18

Small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) and UV-visible spectroscopy studies have been carried out to examine pH-dependent interactions and resultant structures of oppositely charged silica nanoparticles and lysozyme protein in aqueous solution. The measurements were carried out at fixed concentration (1 wt %) of three differently sized silica nanoparticles (8, 16, and 26 nm) over a wide concentration range of protein (0-10 wt %) at three different pH values (5, 7, and 9). The adsorption curve as obtained by UV-visible spectroscopy shows exponential behavior of protein adsorption on nanoparticles. The electrostatic interaction enhanced by the decrease in the pH between the nanoparticle and protein (isoelectric point ∼11.4) increases the adsorption coefficient on nanoparticles but decreases the overall amount protein adsorbed whereas the opposite behavior is observed with increasing nanoparticle size. The adsorption of protein leads to the protein-mediated aggregation of nanoparticles. These aggregates are found to be surface fractals at pH 5 and change to mass fractals with increasing pH and/or decreasing nanoparticle size. Two different concentration regimes of interaction of nanoparticles with protein have been observed: (i) unaggregated nanoparticles coexisting with aggregated nanoparticles at low protein concentrations and (ii) free protein coexisting with aggregated nanoparticles at higher protein concentrations. These concentration regimes are found to be strongly dependent on both the pH and nanoparticle size.

Gold-magnetite nanoparticle-biomolecule conjugates: Synthesis, properties and toxicity studies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pariti, Akshay

This thesis study focuses on synthesizing and characterizing gold-magnetite optically active magnetic nanoparticle and its conjugation with biomolecules for biomedical applications, especially magnetic fluid hyperthermia treatment for cancerous tissue. Gold nanoparticles have already displayed their potential in the biomedical field. They exhibit excellent optical properties and possess strong surface chemistry which renders them suitable for various biomolecule attachments. Studies have showed gold nanoparticles to be a perfect biocompatible vector. However, clinical trials for gold mediated drug delivery and treatment studied in rat models identified some problems. Of these problems, the low retention time in bloodstream and inability to maneuver externally has been the consequential. To further enhance their potential applications and overcome the problems faced in using gold nanoparticles alone, many researchers have synthesized multifunctional magnetic materials with gold at one terminal. Magnetite, among the investigated magnetic materials is a promising and reliable candidate because of its high magnetic saturation moment and low toxicity. This thesis showcases a simple and facile one pot synthesis of gold-magnetite nanoparticles with an average particle size of 80 nm through hot injection method. The as-synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by XRD, TEM, Mossbauer spectroscopy, SQUID and MTS toxicity studies. The superparamagnetism of the as-synthesized nanoparticles has an interestingly high saturation magnetization moment and low toxicity than the literature values reported earlier. L-cysteine and (-)-EGCG (epigallacatechin-3-gallate) were attached to this multifunctional nanoparticles through the gold terminal and characterized to show the particles applicability through Raman, FTIR and UV-Vis spectroscopy.

A green single-step procedure to synthesize Ag-containing nanocomposite coatings with low cytotoxicity and efficient antibacterial properties

PubMed Central

Ma, Kena; Gong, Lingling; Cai, Xinjie; Huang, Pin; Cai, Jing; Huang, Dan; Jiang, Tao

2017-01-01

Implant-associated infections still pose a serious threat leading to several complications. This study reported an environmentally benign Ag-containing nanocomposite coating with efficient antibacterial property fabricated on the metal implant via electrophoretic deposition (EPD). In such coatings, Ag2O/AgCl mixed with chitosan/gelatin (CS/G) polymers work together to exert the antibacterial property which could act as an alternative to traditional Ag nanoparticles. Scanning electron microscopy images showed the shuttle fiber-like morphology distributed lamellarly and some nanoparticles carved uniformly into the cross section. Transmission electron microscopy results revealed a core–shell-like structure of the released nanoparticles in experimental groups. The Ag-containing coatings exhibited strong antibacterial properties against Staphylococcus aureus strains and Escherichia coli strains. Meanwhile, the CCK-8 tests showed that after assembling with chitosan and gelatin polymers, the cytotoxicity of Ag was largely decreased. In addition, such coatings also exhibited strong bond strength with metal substrates and good degradable properties. Therefore, such Ag-containing CS/G coatings fabricated via EPD may be a promising candidate to be administrated in controlling the implant-associated infections. PMID:28553106

Ultrasmall lanthanide-doped nanoparticles as multimodal platforms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yust, Brian G.; Pedraza, Francisco J.; Sardar, Dhiraj K.

2014-03-01

Recently, there has been a great amount of interest in nanoparticles which are able to provide a platform with high contrast for multiple imaging modalities in order to advance the tools available to biomedical researchers and physicians. However, many nanoparticles do not have ideal properties to provide high contrast in different imaging modes. In order to address this, ultrasmall lanthanide doped oxide and fluoride nanoparticles with strong NIR to NIR upconversion fluorescence and a strong magnetic response for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have been developed. Specifically, these nanoparticles incorporate gadolinium, dysprosium, or a combination of both into the nano-crystalline host to achieve the magnetic properties. Thulium, erbium, and neodymium codopants provide the strong NIR absorption and emission lines that allow for deeper tissue imaging since near infrared light is not strongly absorbed or scattered by most tissues within this region. This also leads to better image quality and lower necessary excitation intensities. As a part of the one pot synthesis, these nanoparticles are coated with peg, pmao, or d-glucuronic acid to make them water soluble, biocompatible, and bioconjugable due to the available carboxyl or amine groups. Here, the synthesis, morphological characterization, magnetic response, NIR emission, and the quantum yield will be discussed. Cytotoxicity tested through cell viability at varying concentrations of nanoparticles in growth media will also be discussed.

Biofabrication of Ag nanoparticles using Moringa oleifera leaf extract and their antimicrobial activity

PubMed Central

Prasad, TNVKV; Elumalai, EK

2011-01-01

Objective To formulate a simple rapid procedure for bioreduction of silver nanoparticles using aqueous leaves extract of Moringa oleifera (M. oleifera). Methods 10 mL of leaf extract was mixed to 90 mL of 1 mM aqueous of AgNO3 and was heated at 60 - 80 °C for 20 min. A change from brown to reddish color was observed. Characterization using UV-Vis spectrophotometry, Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) was performed. Results TEM showed the formation of silver nanoparticles with an average size of 57 nm. Conclusions M. oleifera demonstrates strong potential for synthesis of silver nanoparticles by rapid reduction of silver ions (Ag+ to Ag0). Biological methods are good competents for the chemical procedures, which are eco-friendly and convenient. PMID:23569809

Preparation of Chitosan Nanoparticles: A Study of Influencing Factors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thakur, Anupama; Taranjit

2011-12-01

Chitosan (CS), a cationic polysaccharide, offers great advantages for ionic interactions with negatively charged species such as sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP) leading to the formation of biocompatible crosslinked chitosan nanoparticles In the present work, an attempt has been made to systematically study the following factors influencing the ionotropic gelation of chitosan with STPP to produce CS nanoparticles: effect of pH of solution, CS concentration, STPP concentration and CS/STPP ratio. The results show that with the increase in CS concentration, the yield of the nanoparticle decreases whereas size increases. The mean size of the prepared nanoparticles varied between 120 to 720 nm and zeta potential between +14 mV to +53 mV . Nanoparticle size and yield was found to be strongly dependent on solution pH. Nanoparticle size decreased with increase in solution pH from 4 to 5 and yield was found to be maximum at pH = 5. With increase in STPP concentration, the size and yield of the nanoparticle increased. The potential of CS nanoparticles to trap amoxicillin trihydrate, taken as the model drug, was also studied. The maximum drug loading capacity was found to be 35% at a solution pH = 5 for 0.2% CS and 0.086% STPP.

Magnetic and hyperthermia properties of CoxFe3-xO4 nanoparticles synthesized via cation exchange

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mohapatra, Jeotikanta; Xing, Meiying; Liu, J. Ping

2018-05-01

We demonstrate magnetic and hyperthermia properties of CoxFe3-xO4 (x = 0, 0.1, 0.3 and 0.5) nanoparticles synthesized via a simple cation exchange reaction of ˜12 nm Fe3O4 nanoparticles. The substitution of Fe cations with Co2+ ions leads to enhanced magnetocrystalline anisotropy and coercivity of the pristine superparamagnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles. Hyperthermia measurement shows that by controlling the Co content (x = 0 to 0.5) in CoxFe3-xO4 nanoparticles, their specific absorption rate (SAR) can be greatly improved from 132 to 534 W/g. The strong enhancement in SAR value is attributed to the increased anisotropy and coercivity. Moreover, with the increase of ac magnetic field from 184 to 491 Oe, the SAR values of Fe3O4 and Co0.5Fe2.5O4 nanoparticles increase from 81 to 132 W/g and 220 to 534 W/g, respectively.

Fluorescence-Guided Probes of Aptamer-Targeted Gold Nanoparticles with Computed Tomography Imaging Accesses for in Vivo Tumor Resection.

PubMed

Li, Cheng-Hung; Kuo, Tsung-Rong; Su, Hsin-Jan; Lai, Wei-Yun; Yang, Pan-Chyr; Chen, Jinn-Shiun; Wang, Di-Yan; Wu, Yi-Chun; Chen, Chia-Chun

2015-10-28

Recent development of molecular imaging probes for fluorescence-guided surgery has shown great progresses for determining tumor margin to execute the tissue resection. Here we synthesize the fluorescent gold nanoparticles conjugated with diatrizoic acid and nucleolin-targeted AS1411 aptamer. The nanoparticle conjugates exhibit high water-solubility, good biocompatibility, visible fluorescence and strong X-ray attenuation for computed tomography (CT) contrast enhancement. The fluorescent nanoparticle conjugates are applied as a molecular contrast agent to reveal the tumor location in CL1-5 tumor-bearing mice by CT imaging. Furthermore, the orange-red fluorescence emitting from the conjugates in the CL1-5 tumor can be easily visualized by the naked eyes. After the resection, the IVIS measurements show that the fluorescence signal of the nanoparticle conjugates in the tumor is greatly enhanced in comparison to that in the controlled experiment. Our work has shown potential application of functionalized nanoparticles as a dual-function imaging agent in clinical fluorescence-guided surgery.

Zinc-decorated silica-coated magnetic nanoparticles for protein binding and controlled release.

PubMed

Bele, Marjan; Hribar, Gorazd; Campelj, Stanislav; Makovec, Darko; Gaberc-Porekar, Vladka; Zorko, Milena; Gaberscek, Miran; Jamnik, Janko; Venturini, Peter

2008-05-01

The aim of this study was to be able to reversibly bind histidine-rich proteins to the surface of maghemite magnetic nanoparticles via coordinative bonding using Zn ions as the anchoring points. We showed that in order to adsorb Zn ions on the maghemite, the surface of the latter needs to be modified. As silica is known to strongly adsorb zinc ions, we chose to modify the maghemite nanoparticles with a nanometre-thick silica layer. This layer appeared to be thin enough for the maghemite nanoparticles to preserve their superparamagnetic nature. As a model the histidine-rich protein bovine serum albumin (BSA) was used. The release of the BSA bound to Zn-decorated silica-coated maghemite nanoparticles was analysed using sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). We demonstrated that the bonding of the BSA to such modified magnetic nanoparticles is highly reversible and can be controlled by an appropriate change of the external conditions, such as a pH decrease or the presence/supply of other chelating compounds.

Development of Iron Doped Silicon Nanoparticles as Bimodal Imaging Agents

PubMed Central

Singh, Mani P.; Atkins, Tonya M.; Muthuswamy, Elayaraja; Kamali, Saeed; Tu, Chuqiao; Louie, Angelique Y.; Kauzlarich, Susan M.

2012-01-01

We demonstrate the synthesis of water-soluble allylamine terminated Fe doped Si (SixFe) nanoparticles as bimodal agents for optical and magnetic imaging. The preparation involves the synthesis of a single source iron containing precursor, Na4Si4 with x% Fe (x = 1, 5, 10), and its subsequent reaction with NH4Br to produce hydrogen terminated SixFe nanoparticles. The hydrogen-capped nanoparticles are further terminated with allylamine via thermal hydrosilylation. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) indicates that the average particle diameter is ~3.0±1.0 nm. The Si5Fe nanoparticles show strong photoluminescence quantum yield in water (~ 10 %) with significant T2 contrast (r2/r1value of 4.31). Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and Mössbauer spectroscopies indicate that iron in the nanoparticles is in the +3 oxidation state. Analysis of cytotoxicity using the resazurin assay on HepG2 liver cells indicates that the particles have minimal toxicity. PMID:22616623

Diatomite silica nanoparticles for drug delivery

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Diatomite is a natural fossil material of sedimentary origin, constituted by fragments of diatom siliceous skeletons. In this preliminary work, the properties of diatomite nanoparticles as potential system for the delivery of drugs in cancer cells were exploited. A purification procedure, based on thermal treatments in strong acid solutions, was used to remove inorganic and organic impurities from diatomite and to make them a safe material for medical applications. The micrometric diatomite powder was reduced in nanoparticles by mechanical crushing, sonication, and filtering. Morphological analysis performed by dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy reveals a particles size included between 100 and 300 nm. Diatomite nanoparticles were functionalized by 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane and labeled by tetramethylrhodamine isothiocyanate. Different concentrations of chemically modified nanoparticles were incubated with cancer cells and confocal microscopy was performed. Imaging analysis showed an efficient cellular uptake and homogeneous distribution of nanoparticles in cytoplasm and nucleus, thus suggesting their potentiality as nanocarriers for drug delivery. PACS 87.85.J81.05.Rm; 61.46. + w PMID:25024689

Diatomite silica nanoparticles for drug delivery.

PubMed

Ruggiero, Immacolata; Terracciano, Monica; Martucci, Nicola M; De Stefano, Luca; Migliaccio, Nunzia; Tatè, Rosarita; Rendina, Ivo; Arcari, Paolo; Lamberti, Annalisa; Rea, Ilaria

2014-01-01

Diatomite is a natural fossil material of sedimentary origin, constituted by fragments of diatom siliceous skeletons. In this preliminary work, the properties of diatomite nanoparticles as potential system for the delivery of drugs in cancer cells were exploited. A purification procedure, based on thermal treatments in strong acid solutions, was used to remove inorganic and organic impurities from diatomite and to make them a safe material for medical applications. The micrometric diatomite powder was reduced in nanoparticles by mechanical crushing, sonication, and filtering. Morphological analysis performed by dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy reveals a particles size included between 100 and 300 nm. Diatomite nanoparticles were functionalized by 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane and labeled by tetramethylrhodamine isothiocyanate. Different concentrations of chemically modified nanoparticles were incubated with cancer cells and confocal microscopy was performed. Imaging analysis showed an efficient cellular uptake and homogeneous distribution of nanoparticles in cytoplasm and nucleus, thus suggesting their potentiality as nanocarriers for drug delivery. 87.85.J81.05.Rm; 61.46. + w.

Development of iron-doped silicon nanoparticles as bimodal imaging agents.

PubMed

Singh, Mani P; Atkins, Tonya M; Muthuswamy, Elayaraja; Kamali, Saeed; Tu, Chuqiao; Louie, Angelique Y; Kauzlarich, Susan M

2012-06-26

We demonstrate the synthesis of water-soluble allylamine-terminated Fe-doped Si (Si(xFe)) nanoparticles as bimodal agents for optical and magnetic imaging. The preparation involves the synthesis of a single-source iron-containing precursor, Na(4)Si(4) with x% Fe (x = 1, 5, 10), and its subsequent reaction with NH(4)Br to produce hydrogen-terminated Si(xFe) nanoparticles. The hydrogen-capped nanoparticles are further terminated with allylamine via thermal hydrosilylation. Transmission electron microscopy indicates that the average particle diameter is ∼3.0 ± 1.0 nm. The Si(5Fe) nanoparticles show strong photoluminescence quantum yield in water (∼10%) with significant T(2) contrast (r(2)/r(1) value of 4.31). Electron paramagnetic resonance and Mössbauer spectroscopies indicate that iron in the nanoparticles is in the +3 oxidation state. Analysis of cytotoxicity using the resazurin assay on HepG2 liver cells indicates that the particles have minimal toxicity.

Fluorescence-Guided Probes of Aptamer-Targeted Gold Nanoparticles with Computed Tomography Imaging Accesses for in Vivo Tumor Resection

PubMed Central

Li, Cheng-Hung; Kuo, Tsung-Rong; Su, Hsin-Jan; Lai, Wei-Yun; Yang, Pan-Chyr; Chen, Jinn-Shiun; Wang, Di-Yan; Wu, Yi-Chun; Chen, Chia-Chun

2015-01-01

Recent development of molecular imaging probes for fluorescence-guided surgery has shown great progresses for determining tumor margin to execute the tissue resection. Here we synthesize the fluorescent gold nanoparticles conjugated with diatrizoic acid and nucleolin-targeted AS1411 aptamer. The nanoparticle conjugates exhibit high water-solubility, good biocompatibility, visible fluorescence and strong X-ray attenuation for computed tomography (CT) contrast enhancement. The fluorescent nanoparticle conjugates are applied as a molecular contrast agent to reveal the tumor location in CL1-5 tumor-bearing mice by CT imaging. Furthermore, the orange-red fluorescence emitting from the conjugates in the CL1-5 tumor can be easily visualized by the naked eyes. After the resection, the IVIS measurements show that the fluorescence signal of the nanoparticle conjugates in the tumor is greatly enhanced in comparison to that in the controlled experiment. Our work has shown potential application of functionalized nanoparticles as a dual-function imaging agent in clinical fluorescence-guided surgery. PMID:26507179

Deactivation of photocatalytically active ZnO nanoparticle and enhancement of its compatibility with organic compounds by surface-capping with organically modified silica

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cao, Zhi; Zhang, Zhijun

2011-02-01

Tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) and dimethyldiethoxysilane (DEDMS) were used as co-precursors to prepare organically modified silica (ormosil) via sol-gel process. The resultant ormosil was adopted for surface-capping of ZnO nanoparticle, where methyl (organic functional group) and silica (inorganic component) were simultaneously introduced onto the surface of the nanoparticles for realizing dual surface-modification. The ormosil-capped ZnO nanoparticle showed strong hydrophobicity and good compatibility with organic phases, as well as effectively decreased photocatalytic activity and almost unchanged ultraviolet (UV)-shielding ability. More importantly, the comprehensive properties of ormosil-capped ZnO nanoparticle could be manipulated by adjusting the molar ratio of TEOS to DEDMS during sol-gel process. This should help to open a wider window to better utilizing the unique and highly attractive properties such as high UV-shielding ability and high-visible light transparency of ZnO nanoparticle in sunscreen cosmetics.

Effect of nanoparticle size on sessile droplet contact angle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Munshi, A. M.; Singh, V. N.; Kumar, Mukesh; Singh, J. P.

2008-04-01

We report a significant variation in the static contact angle measured on indium oxide (IO) nanoparticle coated Si substrates that have different nanoparticle sizes. These IO nanoparticles, which have well defined shape and sizes, were synthesized by chemical vapor deposition in a horizontal alumina tube furnace. The size of the IO nanoparticles was varied by changing the source material, substrate temperature, and the deposition time. A sessile droplet method was used to determine the macroscopic contact angle on these IO nanoparticle covered Si substrate using two different liquids: de-ionized water and diethylene glycol (DEG). It was observed that contact angle depends strongly on the nanoparticle size. The contact angle was found to vary from 24° to 67° for de-ionized water droplet and from 15° to 60° for DEG droplet, for the nanoparticle sizes varying from 14 to 620 nm. The contact angle decreases with a decrease in the particles size. We have performed a theoretical analysis to determine the dependence of contact angle on the nanoparticle size. This formulation qualitatively shows a similar trend of decrease in the contact angle with a decrease in nanoparticle size. Providing a rough estimate of nanoparticle size by sessile droplet contact angle measurement is the novelty in this work.

The biomolecular corona is retained during nanoparticle uptake and protects the cells from the damage induced by cationic nanoparticles until degraded in the lysosomes.

PubMed

Wang, Fengjuan; Yu, Lu; Monopoli, Marco P; Sandin, Peter; Mahon, Eugene; Salvati, Anna; Dawson, Kenneth A

2013-11-01

Nanoparticles have unique capacities of interacting with the cellular machinery and entering cells. To be able to exploit this potential, it is essential to understand what controls the interactions at the interface between nanoparticles and cells: it is now established that nanoparticles in biological media are covered by proteins and other biomolecules forming a "corona" on the nanoparticle surface, which confers a new identity to the nanoparticles. By labelling the proteins of the serum, using positively-charged polystyrene, we now show that this adsorbed layer is strong enough to be retained on the nanoparticles as they enter cells and is trafficked to the lysosomes on the nanoparticles. There, the corona is degraded and this is followed by lysosomal damage, leading to cytosolic release of lysosomal content, and ultimately apoptosis. Thus the corona protects the cells from the damage induced by the bare nanoparticle surface until enzymatically cleared in the lysosomes. This study investigates the effects of protein corona that normally forms on the surface of nanoparticles during in vivo use, describing the steps of intracellular processing of such particles, to enhance our understanding of how these particles interact with the cellular machinery. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Multimodal imaging of lymph nodes and tumors using glycol-chitosan-coated gold nanoparticles (Conference Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, In-Cheol; Dumani, Diego S.; Emelianov, Stanislav Y.

2017-03-01

A key step in staging cancer is the diagnosis of metastasis that spreads through lymphatic system. For this reason, researchers develop various methods of sentinel lymph node mapping that often use a radioactive tracer. This study introduces a safe, cost-effective, high-resolution, high-sensitivity, and real-time method of visualizing the sentinel lymph node: ultrasound-guided photoacoustic (US/PA) imaging augmented by a contrast agent. In this work, we use clearable gold nanoparticles covered by a biocompatible polymer (glycol chitosan) to enhance cellular uptake by macrophages abundant in lymph nodes. We incubate macrophages with glycol-chitosan-coated gold nanoparticles (0.05 mg Au/ml), and then fix them with paraformaldehyde solution for an analysis of in vitro dark-field microscopy and cell phantom. The analysis shows enhanced cellular uptake of nanoparticles by macrophages and strong photoacoustic signal from labeled cells in tissue-mimicking cell phantoms consisting gelatin solution (6 %) with silica gel (25 μm, 0.3%) and fixed macrophages. The in-vivo US/PA imaging of cervical lymph nodes in healthy mice (nu/nu, female, 5 weeks) indicates a strong photoacoustic signal from a lymph node 10 minutes post-injection (2.5 mg Au/ml, 80 μl). The signal intensity and the nanoparticle-labeled volume of tissue within the lymph node continues to increase until 4 h post-injection. Histological analysis further confirms the accumulation of gold nanoparticles within the lymph nodes. This work suggests the feasibility of molecular/cellular US/PA imaging with biocompatible gold nanoparticles as a photoacoustic contrast agent in the diagnosis of lymph-node-related diseases.

S/N dual-doped carbon nanosheets decorated with Co x O y nanoparticles as high-performance anodes for lithium-ion batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, XiaoFei; Zhu, Yong; Zhu, Sheng; Fan, JinChen; Xu, QunJie; Min, YuLin

2018-03-01

In this work, we have successfully synthesized the S/N dual-doped carbon nanosheets which are strongly coupled with Co x O y nanoparticles (SNCC) by calcinating cobalt/dithizone complex precursor following KOH activation. The SNCC as anode shows the wonderful charge capacity of 1200 mAh g-1 after 400th cycles at 1000 mA g-1 for Li-ion storage. The superior electrochemical properties illustrate that the SNCC can be a candidate for high-performance anode material of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) because of the facile preparation method and excellent performance. Significantly, we also discuss the mechanism for the SNCC from the strong synergistic effect perspective.

Charge-transfer-based terbium MOF nanoparticles as fluorescent pH sensor for extreme acidity.

PubMed

Qi, Zewan; Chen, Yang

2017-01-15

Newly emerged metal organic frameworks (MOFs) have aroused the great interest in designing functional materials by means of its flexible structure and component. In this study, we used lanthanide Tb 3+ ions and small molecular ligands to design and assemble a kind of pH-sensitive MOF nanoparticle based on intramolecular-charge-transfer effect. This kind of made-to-order MOF nanoparticle for H + is highly specific and sensitive and could be used to fluorescently indicate pH value of strong acidic solution via preset mechanism through luminescence of Tb 3+ . The long luminescence lifetime of Tb 3+ allows eliminating concomitant non-specific fluorescence by time-revised fluorescence techniques, processing an advantage in sensing H + in biological media with strong autofluorescence. Our method showed a great potential of MOF structures in designing and constructing sensitive sensing materials for specific analytes directly via the assembly of functional ions/ligands. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Focusing geometry-induced size tailoring of silver nanoparticles obtained by laser ablation in water

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stasic, Jelena; Joksic, Gordana; Zivkovic, Ljiljana; Mihailescu, Ion N.; Ghica, Corneliu; Kuncser, Andrei; Trtica, Milan

2014-10-01

Silver nanoparticles were obtained by picosecond laser ablation in water at 1064 nm, using focusing geometry to design the particles’ size. The position of the target surface with respect to the focal point strongly influences the NPs’ size: above and in the focus it is up to 20 nm and below focus ≤ 150 nm. Generated particles have a spherical shape. The solutions were further employed on human cells and the tests showed a deteriorating effect on DNA.

Dynamics of micelle-nanoparticle systems undergoing shear. A coarse-grained molecular dynamics approach

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Rolfe, Bryan A.; Chun, Jaehun; Joo, Yong L.

2013-09-05

Recent experimental work has shown that polymeric micelles can template nanoparticles via interstitial sites in shear-ordered micelle solutions. In the current study, we report simulation results based on a coarse-grained molecular dynamics (CGMD) model of a solvent/polymer/nanoparticle system. Our results demonstrate the importance of polymer concentration and the micelle corona length in 2D shear-ordering of neat block copolymer solutions. Although our results do not show strong 3D ordering during shear, we find that cessation of shear allows the system to relax into a 3D configuration of greater order than without shear. It is further shown that this post-shear relaxation ismore » strongly dependent on the length of the micelle corona. For the first time, we demonstrate the presence and importance of a flow disturbance surrounding micelles in simple shear flow at moderate Péclet numbers. This disturbance is similar to what is observed around simulated star polymers and ellipsoids. The extent of the flow disturbance increases as expected with a longer micelle corona length. It is further suggested that without proper consideration of these dynamics, a stable nanoparticle configuration would be difficult to obtain.« less

Deposition of conductive TiN shells on SiO2 nanoparticles with a fluidized bed ALD reactor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Didden, Arjen; Hillebrand, Philipp; Wollgarten, Markus; Dam, Bernard; van de Krol, Roel

2016-02-01

Conductive TiN shells have been deposited on SiO2 nanoparticles (10-20 nm primary particle size) with fluidized bed atomic layer deposition using TDMAT and NH3 as precursors. Analysis of the powders confirms that shell growth saturates at approximately 0.4 nm/cycle at TDMAT doses of >1.2 mmol/g of powder. TEM and XPS analysis showed that all particles were coated with homogeneous shells containing titanium. Due to the large specific surface area of the nanoparticles, the TiN shells rapidly oxidize upon exposure to air. Electrical measurements show that the partially oxidized shells are conducting, with apparent resistivity of approximately 11 kΩ cm. The resistivity of the powders is strongly influenced by the NH3 dose, with a smaller dose giving an order-of-magnitude higher resistivity.

Cyto/hemocompatible magnetic hybrid nanoparticles (Ag2S-Fe3O4) with luminescence in the near-infrared region as promising theranostic materials.

PubMed

Hocaoglu, Ibrahim; Asik, Didar; Ulusoy, Gulen; Grandfils, Christian; Ojea-Jimenez, Isaac; Rossi, François; Kiraz, Alper; Doğan, Nurcan; Acar, Havva Yagci

2015-09-01

Small hybrid nanoparticles composed of highly biocompatible Ag2S quantum dots (QD) emitting in the near-infrared region and superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPION) are produced in a simple extraction method utilizing ligand exchange mechanism. Hybrid nanoparticles luminesce at the same wavelength as the parent QD, therefore an array of hybrid nanoparticles with emission between 840 and 912nm were easily produced. Such hybrid structures have (1) strong luminescence in the medical imaging window eliminating the autofluoresence of cells as effective optical probes, (2) strong magnetic response for magnetic targeting and (3) good cyto/hemocompatibility. An interesting size dependent cytotoxicity behavior was observed in HeLa and NIH/3T3 cell lines: smallest particles are internalized significantly more by both of the cell lines, yet showed almost no significant cytotoxicity in HeLa between 10 and 25μg/mL Ag concentration but were most toxic in NIH/3T3 cells. Cell internalization and hence the cytotoxicity enhanced when cells were incubated with the hybrid nanoparticles under magnetic field, especially with the hybrid nanoparticles containing larger amounts of SPION in the hybrid composition. These results prove them as effective optical imaging agents and magnetic delivery vehicles. Combined with the known advantages of SPIONs as a contrast agent in MRI, these particles are a step forward for new theranostics for multimode imaging and magnetic targeting. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

On the Role of Specific Interactions in the Diffusion of Nanoparticles in Aqueous Polymer Solutions

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Understanding nanoparticle diffusion within non-Newtonian biological and synthetic fluids is essential in designing novel formulations (e.g., nanomedicines for drug delivery, shampoos, lotions, coatings, paints, etc.), but is presently poorly defined. This study reports the diffusion of thiolated and PEGylated silica nanoparticles, characterized by small-angle neutron scattering, in solutions of various water-soluble polymers such as poly(acrylic acid) (PAA), poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP), poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO), and hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC) probed using NanoSight nanoparticle tracking analysis. Results show that the diffusivity of nanoparticles is affected by their dimensions, medium viscosity, and, in particular, the specific interactions between nanoparticles and the macromolecules in solution; strong attractive interactions such as hydrogen bonding hamper diffusion. The water-soluble polymers retarded the diffusion of thiolated particles in the order PEO > PVP > PAA > HEC whereas for PEGylated silica particles retardation followed the order PAA > PVP = HEC > PEO. In the absence of specific interactions with the medium, PEGylated nanoparticles exhibit enhanced mobility compared to their thiolated counterparts despite some increase in their dimensions. PMID:24354390

On the role of specific interactions in the diffusion of nanoparticles in aqueous polymer solutions.

PubMed

Mun, Ellina A; Hannell, Claire; Rogers, Sarah E; Hole, Patrick; Williams, Adrian C; Khutoryanskiy, Vitaliy V

2014-01-14

Understanding nanoparticle diffusion within non-Newtonian biological and synthetic fluids is essential in designing novel formulations (e.g., nanomedicines for drug delivery, shampoos, lotions, coatings, paints, etc.), but is presently poorly defined. This study reports the diffusion of thiolated and PEGylated silica nanoparticles, characterized by small-angle neutron scattering, in solutions of various water-soluble polymers such as poly(acrylic acid) (PAA), poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP), poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO), and hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC) probed using NanoSight nanoparticle tracking analysis. Results show that the diffusivity of nanoparticles is affected by their dimensions, medium viscosity, and, in particular, the specific interactions between nanoparticles and the macromolecules in solution; strong attractive interactions such as hydrogen bonding hamper diffusion. The water-soluble polymers retarded the diffusion of thiolated particles in the order PEO > PVP > PAA > HEC whereas for PEGylated silica particles retardation followed the order PAA > PVP = HEC > PEO. In the absence of specific interactions with the medium, PEGylated nanoparticles exhibit enhanced mobility compared to their thiolated counterparts despite some increase in their dimensions.

Preparation of SiO2@Ag Composite Nanoparticles and Their Antimicrobial Activity.

PubMed

Qin, Rui; Li, Guian; Pan, Liping; Han, Qingyan; Sun, Yan; He, Qiao

2017-04-01

At normal atmospheric temperature, the modified sol–gel method was employed to synthesize SiO2 nanospheres (SiO2 NSs) whose average size was about 352 nm. Silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) were uniformly distributed on the surface of SiO2 nanospheres (SiO2 NSs) by applying chemical reduction method at 95 °C and the size of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) could be controlled by simply tuning the reaction time and the concentration of sodium citrate. Besides, the size, morphology, structure and optical absorption properties of SiO2@Ag composite nanoparticles were measured and characterized by laser particle size analyzer (LPSA), transmission electron microscope (TEM), scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and ultraviolet visible absorption spectrometer (UV-Vis), respectively. Furthermore, antimicrobial effect experiments that against gram-negative bacteria (E. coli) and gram-positive bacteria (S. aureus) were carried out to characterize the antibacterial activity of synthesized SiO2@Ag composite nanoparticles. The results show that the prepared SiO2@Ag composite nanoparticles have strong antimicrobial activity, which is associated with the size of silver nanoparticles.

Nanoantioxidant-driven plasmon enhanced proton-coupled electron transfer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sotiriou, Georgios A.; Blattmann, Christoph O.; Deligiannakis, Yiannis

2015-12-01

Proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) reactions involve the transfer of a proton and an electron and play an important role in a number of chemical and biological processes. Here, we describe a novel phenomenon, plasmon-enhanced PCET, which is manifested using SiO2-coated Ag nanoparticles functionalized with gallic acid (GA), a natural antioxidant molecule that can perform PCET. These GA-functionalized nanoparticles show enhanced plasmonic response at near-IR wavelengths, due to particle agglomeration caused by the GA molecules. Near-IR laser irradiation induces strong local hot-spots on the SiO2-coated Ag nanoparticles, as evidenced by surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). This leads to plasmon energy transfer to the grafted GA molecules that lowers the GA-OH bond dissociation enthalpy by at least 2 kcal mol-1 and therefore facilitates PCET. The nanoparticle-driven plasmon-enhancement of PCET brings together the so far unrelated research domains of nanoplasmonics and electron/proton translocation with significant impact on applications based on interfacial electron/proton transfer.Proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) reactions involve the transfer of a proton and an electron and play an important role in a number of chemical and biological processes. Here, we describe a novel phenomenon, plasmon-enhanced PCET, which is manifested using SiO2-coated Ag nanoparticles functionalized with gallic acid (GA), a natural antioxidant molecule that can perform PCET. These GA-functionalized nanoparticles show enhanced plasmonic response at near-IR wavelengths, due to particle agglomeration caused by the GA molecules. Near-IR laser irradiation induces strong local hot-spots on the SiO2-coated Ag nanoparticles, as evidenced by surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). This leads to plasmon energy transfer to the grafted GA molecules that lowers the GA-OH bond dissociation enthalpy by at least 2 kcal mol-1 and therefore facilitates PCET. The nanoparticle-driven plasmon-enhancement of PCET brings together the so far unrelated research domains of nanoplasmonics and electron/proton translocation with significant impact on applications based on interfacial electron/proton transfer. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c5nr04942c

Size-dependent interaction of silica nanoparticles with lysozyme and bovine serum albumin proteins

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yadav, Indresh; Aswal, Vinod K.; Kohlbrecher, Joachim

2016-05-01

The interaction of three different sized (diameter 10, 18, and 28 nm) anionic silica nanoparticles with two model proteins—cationic lysozyme [molecular weight (MW) 14.7 kDa)] and anionic bovine serum albumin (BSA) (MW 66.4 kDa) has been studied by UV-vis spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS), and small-angle neutron scattering (SANS). The adsorption behavior of proteins on the nanoparticles, measured by UV-vis spectroscopy, is found to be very different for lysozyme and BSA. Lysozyme adsorbs strongly on the nanoparticles and shows exponential behavior as a function of lysozyme concentration irrespective of the nanoparticle size. The total amount of adsorbed lysozyme, as governed by the surface-to-volume ratio, increases on lowering the size of the nanoparticles for a fixed volume fraction of the nanoparticles. On the other hand, BSA does not show any adsorption for all the different sizes of the nanoparticles. Despite having different interactions, both proteins induce similar phase behavior where the nanoparticle-protein system transforms from one phase (clear) to two phase (turbid) as a function of protein concentration. The phase behavior is modified towards the lower concentrations for both proteins with increasing the nanoparticle size. DLS suggests that the phase behavior arises as a result of the nanoparticles' aggregation on the addition of proteins. The size-dependent modifications in the interaction potential, responsible for the phase behavior, have been determined by SANS data as modeled using the two-Yukawa potential accounting for the repulsive and attractive interactions in the systems. The protein-induced interaction between the nanoparticles is found to be short-range attraction for lysozyme and long-range attraction for BSA. The magnitude of attractive interaction irrespective of protein type is enhanced with increase in the size of the nanoparticles. The total (attractive+repulsive) potential leading to two-phase formation is found to be more attractive for larger sized nanoparticles. The nanoparticle aggregates are characterized by mass fractal.

Morphology and Structural Properties of Novel Short Linear Glucan/Protein Hybrid Nanoparticles and Their Influence on the Rheological Properties of Starch Gel.

PubMed

Li, Xiaojing; Ji, Na; Li, Man; Zhang, Shuangling; Xiong, Liu; Sun, Qingjie

2017-09-13

Starch nanoparticles were potential texture modifiers. However, they have strong tendency to aggregate and poor water dispersibility, which limited their application. The interaction between glucan (prepared from starch by enzymatic modification) and protein could significantly improve the dispersity of starch nanoparticles and, thus, enhance the rheological properties of food gels. In this work, glucan/protein hybrid nanoparticles were successfully developed for the first time using short linear glucan (SLG) and edible proteins [soy protein isolate (SPI), rice protein (RP), and whey protein isolate (WPI)]. The results showed that the SLG/SPI hybrid nanoparticles exhibited hollow structures, of which the smallest size was approximately 10-20 nm when the SLG/SPI ratio was 10:5. In contrast, SLG/RP nanoparticles displayed flower-like superstructures, and SLG/WPI nanoparticles presented stacked lamellar nanostructures with a width of 5-10 nm and a length of 50-70 nm. In comparison to bare SLG nanoparticles, SLG/SPI and SLG/WPI hybrid nanoparticles had higher melting temperatures. The addition of all nanoparticles greatly increased the storage modulus of corn starch gels and decreased loss tangent values. Importantly, the G' value of starch gels increased by 567% with the addition of flower-like SLG/RP superstructures.

Influence of Capping Ligand and Synthesis Method on Structure and Morphology of Aqueous Phase Synthesized CuInSe2 Nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ram Kumar, J.; Ananthakumar, S.; Moorthy Babu, S.

2017-01-01

A facile route to synthesize copper indium diselenide (CuInSe2) nanoparticles in aqueous medium was developed using mercaptoacetic acid (MAA) as capping agent. Two different mole ratios (5 and 10) of MAA were used to synthesize CuInSe2 nanoparticles at room temperature, as well as hydrothermal (high temperature) method. Powder x-ray diffraction analysis reveals that the nanoparticles exhibit chalcopyrite phase and the crystallinity increases with increasing the capping ratio. Raman analysis shows a strong band at 233 cm-1 due to the combination of B2 (E) modes. Broad absorption spectra were observed for the synthesized CuInSe2 nanoparticles. The effective surface capping by MAA on the nanoparticles surface was confirmed through attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared spectral analysis. The thermal stability of the synthesized samples was analyzed through thermogravimetric analysis-differential scanning calorimetry. The change in morphology of the synthesized samples was analyzed through scanning electron microscope and it shows that the samples prepared at room temperature are spherical in shape, whereas hydrothermally synthesized samples were found to have nanorod- and nanoflake-like structures. Transmission electron microscope analysis further indicates larger grains for the hydrothermally prepared samples with 10 mol ratio of MAA. Comparative analyses were made for synthesizing CuInSe2 nanoparticles by two different methods to explore the role of ligand and influence of temperature.

Anomalous dielectric behavior in nanoparticle Eu2O3 : SiO2 glass composite system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mukherjee, S.; Chen, C. H.; Chou, C. C.; Yang, H. D.

2010-12-01

Eu2O3 (0.5 mol%) nanoparticles have been synthesized in a silica glass matrix by the sol-gel method at calcination temperatures of 700 °C and above. Compared with the parent material SiO2, this nano-glass composite system shows enhancement of dielectric constant and diffuse phase transition along with magnetodielectric effect around room temperature (~270 K). The observed conduction mechanism is found to be closely related to the thermally activated oxygen vacancies. Magnetodielectric behavior is strongly associated with magnetoresistance changes, depending on the nanoparticle size and separation. Such a material might be treated as a potential candidate for device miniaturization.

Hydroxy propyl cellulose capped silver nanoparticles produced by simple dialysis process

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Francis, L.; Balakrishnan, A.; Sanosh, K.P.

2010-08-15

Silver (Ag) nanoparticles ({approx}6 nm) were synthesized using a novel dialysis process. Silver nitrate was used as a starting precursor, ethylene glycol as solvent and hydroxy propyl cellulose (HPC) introduced as a capping agent. Different batches of reaction mixtures were prepared with different concentrations of silver nitrate (AgNO{sub 3}). After the reduction and aging, these solutions were subjected to ultra-violet visible spectroscopy (UVS). Optimized solution, containing 250 mg AgNO{sub 3} revealed strong plasmon resonance peak at {approx}410 nm in the spectrum indicating good colloidal state of Ag nanoparticles in the diluted solution. The optimized solution was subjected to dialysis processmore » to remove any unreacted solvent. UVS of the optimized solution after dialysis showed the plasmon resonance peak shifting to {approx}440 nm indicating the reduction of Ag ions into zero-valent Ag. This solution was dried at 80 {sup o}C and the resultant HPC capped Ag (HPC/Ag) nanoparticles were studied using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) for their particle size and morphology. The particle size distribution (PSD) analysis of these nanoparticles showed skewed distribution plot with particle size ranging from 3 to 18 nm. The nanoparticles were characterized for phase composition using X-ray diffractrometry (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR).« less

Mycosynthesis of silver nanoparticles using extract of endophytic fungi, Penicillium species of Glycosmis mauritiana, and its antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and tyrokinase inhibitory activity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Govindappa, M.; Farheen, H.; Chandrappa, C. P.; Channabasava; Rai, Ravishankar V.; Raghavendra, Vinay B.

2016-09-01

Silver nanoparticles were synthesized using endophytic fungal species, Penicillium species from Glycosmis mautitiana. Phytochemicals, namely tannins, saponins, terpenoids and flavonoids, were identified in Penicillium species extracts, and act as agents of reducing and capping in the conversion of silver nanoparticles into nanoparticles. Using SEM, UV-spectroscopy and XRD, the Penicillium species silver nanoparticles (PsAgNPs) were characterized. The PsAgNPs are shown to be strong antioxidants (DDPH and FRAP), have demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties by three different methods in vitro and strongly inhibited the activity of xanthine oxidase, lipoxygenase and tyrosine kinase. E. coli and P. aeruginosa bacterial species were strongly inhibited by PsAgNPs activity at maximum levels and SEM picture of P. aeruginosa confirms these effects and that they were shrunken due to the toxic effect of PsAgNPs.

A rapid biosynthesis route for the preparation of gold nanoparticles by aqueous extract of cypress leaves at room temperature

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Noruzi, Masumeh; Zare, Davood; Davoodi, Daryoush

In the present study, green synthesis of gold nanoparticles was reported using the aqueous extract of cypress leaves. The reduction of gold salt with the extract of cypress leaves resulted in the formation of gold nanoparticles. Effects of extract concentration and extract pH were investigated on the size of the nanoparticles. It was found that the average particle size of synthesized gold nanoparticles depends strongly on extract concentration and extract pH. FT-IR spectroscopy showed that bioorganic capping molecules were bound to the surface of particles. X-ray techniques confirmed the formation of gold nanoparticles and their crystalline structure. The inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy analysis displayed that the reaction progress is higher than 90% at room temperature. Gold nanoparticles were mostly spherical in shape along with some irregular shapes. Cypress is an evergreen plant and its leaves are easily available in all four seasons. Also, the rate of the reaction was high and it was completed in only 10 min. For these reasons, this method is cost-effective and environmentally friendly. Thus, it can be used in the synthesis of gold nanoparticles instead of chemical methods and other biosynthesis approaches.

Vectorization by nanoparticles decreases the overall toxicity of airborne pollutants.

PubMed

Carpentier, Rodolphe; Platel, Anne; Maiz-Gregores, Helena; Nesslany, Fabrice; Betbeder, Didier

2017-01-01

Atmospheric pollution is mainly composed of volatile pollutants and particulate matter that strongly interact. However, their specific roles in the induction of cellular toxicity, in particular the impact of the vectorization of atmospheric pollutants by ultrafine particles, remains to be fully elucidated. For this purpose, non-toxic poly-lactic co-glycolic acid (PLGA) nanoparticles were synthesized and three pollutants (benzo(a)pyrene, naphthalene and di-ethyl-hexyl-phthalate) were adsorbed on the surface of the nanoparticles in order to evaluate the toxicity (cytotoxicity, genotoxicity and ROS induction) of these complexes to a human airway epithelial cell line. The adsorption of the pollutants onto the nanoparticles was confirmed by HPLC analysis. Interestingly, the cytotoxicity assays (MTT, LDH and CellTox Green) clearly demonstrated that the vectorization by nanoparticles decreases the toxicity of the adsorbed pollutants. Genotoxicity was assessed by the micronucleus test and the comet assay and showed no increase in primary DNA damage or in chromosomal aberrations of nanoparticle vectorized pollutants. Neither cytotoxicity nor genotoxicity was correlated with ROS induction. To conclude, our results indicate that the vectorization of pollutants by nanoparticles does not potentiate the toxicity of the pollutants studied and that, on the contrary, adsorption onto nanoparticles could protect cells against pollutants' toxicity.

Progressive freezing of interacting spins in isolated finite magnetic ensembles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bhattacharya, Kakoli; Dupuis, Veronique; Le-Roy, Damien; Deb, Pritam

2017-02-01

Self-organization of magnetic nanoparticles into secondary nanostructures provides an innovative way for designing functional nanomaterials with novel properties, different from the constituent primary nanoparticles as well as their bulk counterparts. Collective magnetic properties of such complex closed packing of magnetic nanoparticles makes them more appealing than the individual magnetic nanoparticles in many technological applications. This work reports the collective magnetic behaviour of magnetic ensembles comprising of single domain Fe3O4 nanoparticles. The present work reveals that the ensemble formation is based on the re-orientation and attachment of the nanoparticles in an iso-oriented fashion at the mesoscale regime. Comprehensive dc magnetic measurements show the prevalence of strong interparticle interactions in the ensembles. Due to the close range organization of primary Fe3O4 nanoparticles in the ensemble, the spins of the individual nanoparticles interact through dipolar interactions as realized from remnant magnetization measurements. Signature of super spin glass like behaviour in the ensembles is observed in the memory studies carried out in field cooled conditions. Progressive freezing of spins in the ensembles is corroborated from the Vogel-Fulcher fit of the susceptibility data. Dynamic scaling of relaxation reasserted slow spin dynamics substantiating cluster spin glass like behaviour in the ensembles.

Preparation and antibacterial activities of Ag/Ag+/Ag3+ nanoparticle composites made by pomegranate (Punica granatum) rind extract

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Hui; Ren, Yan-yu; Wang, Tao; Wang, Chuang

Nano-silver and its composite materials are widely used in medicine, food and other industries due to their strong conductivity, size effect and other special performances. So far, more microbial researches have been applied, but a plant method is rarely reported. In order to open up a new way to prepare AgNP composites, pomegranate peel extract was used in this work to reduce Ag+ to prepare Ag/Ag+/Ag3+ nanoparticle composites. UV-Vis was employed to detect and track the reduction of Ag+ and the forming process of AgNPs. The composition, structure and size of the crystal were analyzed by XRD and TEM. Results showed that, under mild conditions, pomegranate peel extract reacted with dilute AgNO3 solution to produce Ag/Ag+/Ag3+ nanoparticle composites. At pH = 8 and 10 mmol/L of AgNO3 concentration, the size of the achieved composites ranged between 15 and 35 nm with spherical shapes and good crystallinity. The bactericidal experiment indicated that the prepared Ag/Ag+/Ag3+ nanoparticles had strong antibacterial activity against gram positive bacteria and gram negative bacteria. FTIR analysis revealed that biological macromolecules with groups of sbnd NH2, sbnd OH, and others were distributed on the surface of the newly synthesized Ag/Ag+/Ag3+ nanoparticles. This provided a useful clue to further study the AgNP biosynthesis mechanism.

Lecithin/chitosan controlled release nanopreparations of tamoxifen citrate: loading, enzyme-trigger release and cell uptake.

PubMed

Barbieri, Stefano; Sonvico, Fabio; Como, Caterina; Colombo, Gaia; Zani, Franca; Buttini, Francesca; Bettini, Ruggero; Rossi, Alessandra; Colombo, Paolo

2013-05-10

Tamoxifen citrate (TAM), an anticancer drug with amphiphilic properties, was loaded in lecithin/chitosan nanoparticles (LCN) with a view to oral administration. The influence of tamoxifen loading on the physico-chemical properties of nanoparticles was studied. Size, surface charge and morphological properties of tamoxifen-loaded nanoparticles (LCN-TAM) were assessed. The increase in the tamoxifen amount in the LCN-TAM preparation up to 60 mg/100 ml maintained the positive zeta potential value of about +45 mV. A statistically significant decrease in particle size was observed for TAM amounts between 5 and 20mg. A strong influence of loaded tamoxifen on the structure of lecithin/chitosan nanoparticles was observed, supported by the quantification of free chitosan and morphological analysis. A loading of tamoxifen in nanoparticles of around 19% was obtained. The release of the drug from the LCN-TAM colloidal dispersion was measured, showing that tamoxifen citrate was released very slowly in simulated gastro-intestinal fluids without enzymes. When enzymes able to dismantle the nanoparticle structure were added to the dissolution medium, drug release was triggered and continued in a prolonged manner. Tamoxifen-loaded nanoparticles showed cytotoxicity towards MCF-7 cells comparable to that obtained with tamoxifen citrate solution, but the rate of this toxic effect was dependent on drug release. Caco-2 cells, used as a model of the intestinal epithelium, were shown to take up the TAM loaded nanoparticles extensively. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Immune response to functionalized mesoporous silica nanoparticles for targeted drug delivery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Heidegger, Simon; Gößl, Dorothée; Schmidt, Alexandra; Niedermayer, Stefan; Argyo, Christian; Endres, Stefan; Bein, Thomas; Bourquin, Carole

2015-12-01

Multifunctional mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN) have attracted substantial attention with regard to their high potential for targeted drug delivery. For future clinical applications it is crucial to address safety concerns and understand the potential immunotoxicity of these nanoparticles. In this study, we assess the biocompatibility and functionality of multifunctional MSN in freshly isolated, primary murine immune cells. We show that the functionalized silica nanoparticles are rapidly and efficiently taken up into the endosomal compartment by specialized antigen-presenting cells such as dendritic cells. The silica nanoparticles showed a favorable toxicity profile and did not affect the viability of primary immune cells from the spleen in relevant concentrations. Cargo-free MSN induced only very low immune responses in primary cells as determined by surface expression of activation markers and release of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as Interleukin-6, -12 and -1β. In contrast, when surface-functionalized MSN with a pH-responsive polymer capping were loaded with an immune-activating drug, the synthetic Toll-like receptor 7 agonist R848, a strong immune response was provoked. We thus demonstrate that MSN represent an efficient drug delivery vehicle to primary immune cells that is both non-toxic and non-inflammagenic, which is a prerequisite for the use of these particles in biomedical applications.Multifunctional mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN) have attracted substantial attention with regard to their high potential for targeted drug delivery. For future clinical applications it is crucial to address safety concerns and understand the potential immunotoxicity of these nanoparticles. In this study, we assess the biocompatibility and functionality of multifunctional MSN in freshly isolated, primary murine immune cells. We show that the functionalized silica nanoparticles are rapidly and efficiently taken up into the endosomal compartment by specialized antigen-presenting cells such as dendritic cells. The silica nanoparticles showed a favorable toxicity profile and did not affect the viability of primary immune cells from the spleen in relevant concentrations. Cargo-free MSN induced only very low immune responses in primary cells as determined by surface expression of activation markers and release of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as Interleukin-6, -12 and -1β. In contrast, when surface-functionalized MSN with a pH-responsive polymer capping were loaded with an immune-activating drug, the synthetic Toll-like receptor 7 agonist R848, a strong immune response was provoked. We thus demonstrate that MSN represent an efficient drug delivery vehicle to primary immune cells that is both non-toxic and non-inflammagenic, which is a prerequisite for the use of these particles in biomedical applications. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c5nr06122a

The Potential Application of Raw Cadmium Sulfide Nanoparticles as CT Photographic Developer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Qiang; Huang, Lingxin; Li, Zhan; An, Wenzhen; Liu, Dan; Lin, Jin; Tian, Longlong; Wang, Xinling; Liu, Bo; Qi, Wei; Wu, Wangsuo

2016-04-01

With the development of science and technology, new applications about nanoparticles should be explored to achieve full-scale knowledge. Therefore, in this work, the toxicity and potential application of raw cadmium sulfide nanoparticles (CdS) in vivo were further studied through ICP-OES and CTs. Surprisingly, CdS exhibited an excellent photographic property, except for finding the accumulation of CdS in the lungs, liver, spleen, and kidney with a strong dependence on time; it is also found that there were a significant uptake in the pancreas for an obvious CT imaging. And the following investigations showed that the raw CdS could damage the tissues accumulating nanoparticles. Through this work, it can be seen that the raw CdS being modified might be an excellent photographic developer for detecting cancers or other diseases.

Time-resolved analysis of nonlinear optical limiting for laser synthesized carbon nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, G. X.; Hong, M. H.

2010-11-01

Nonlinear optical limiting materials have attracted much research interest in recent years. Carbon nanoparticles suspended in liquids show a strong nonlinear optical limiting function. It is important to investigate the nonlinear optical limiting process of carbon nanoparticles for further improving their nonlinear optical limiting performance. In this study, carbon nanoparticles were prepared by laser ablation of a carbon target in tetrahydrofuran (THF). Optical limiting properties of the samples were studied with 532-nm laser light, which is in the most sensitive wavelength band for human eyes. The shape of the laser pulse plays an important role for initializing the nonlinear optical limiting effect. Time-resolved analysis of laser pulses discovered 3 fluence stages of optical limiting. Theoretical simulation indicates that the optical limiting is initialized by a near-field optical enhancement effect.

Analysis of silver nanoparticles in antimicrobial products using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS).

PubMed

Guo, Huiyuan; Zhang, Zhiyun; Xing, Baoshan; Mukherjee, Arnab; Musante, Craig; White, Jason C; He, Lili

2015-04-07

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are the most commonly used nanoparticles in consumer products. Concerns over human exposure to and risk from these particles have resulted in increased interest in novel strategies to detect AgNPs. This study investigated the feasibility of surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) as a method for the detection and quantification of AgNPs in antimicrobial products. By using ferbam (ferric dimethyl-dithiocarbamate) as an indicator molecule that binds strongly onto the nanoparticles, AgNPs detection and discrimination were achieved based on the signature SERS response of AgNPs-ferbam complexes. SERS response with ferbam was distinct for silver ions, silver chloride, silver bulk particles, and AgNPs. Two types of AgNPs with different coatings, citrate and polyvinylpirrolidone (PVP), both showed strong interactions with ferbam and induced strong SERS signals. SERS was effectively applicable for detecting Ag particles ranging from 20 to 200 nm, with the highest signal intensity in the 60-100 nm range. A linear relationship (R(2) = 0.9804) between Raman intensity and citrate-AgNPs concentrations (60 nm; 0-20 mg/L) indicates the potential for particle quantification. We also evaluated SERS detection of AgNPs in four commercially available antimicrobial products. Combined with ICP-MS and TEM data, the results indicated that the SERS response is primarily dependent on size, but also affected by AgNPs concentration. The findings demonstrate that SERS is a promising analytical platform for studying environmentally relevant levels of AgNPs in consumer products and related matrices.

Gold-silver alloy nanoshells: a new candidate for nanotherapeutics and diagnostics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gheorghe, Dana E.; Cui, Lili; Karmonik, Christof; Brazdeikis, Audrius; Penaloza, Jose M.; Young, Joseph K.; Drezek, Rebekah A.; Bikram, Malavosklish

2011-10-01

We have developed novel gold-silver alloy nanoshells as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) dual T 1 (positive) and T 2 (negative) contrast agents as an alternative to typical gadolinium (Gd)-based contrast agents. Specifically, we have doped iron oxide nanoparticles with Gd ions and sequestered the ions within the core by coating the nanoparticles with an alloy of gold and silver. Thus, these nanoparticles are very innovative and have the potential to overcome toxicities related to renal clearance of contrast agents such as nephrogenic systemic fibrosis. The morphology of the attained nanoparticles was characterized by XRD which demonstrated the successful incorporation of Gd(III) ions into the structure of the magnetite, with no major alterations of the spinel structure, as well as the growth of the gold-silver alloy shells. This was supported by TEM, ICP-AES, and SEM/EDS data. The nanoshells showed a saturation magnetization of 38 emu/g because of the presence of Gd ions within the crystalline structure with r 1 and r 2 values of 0.0119 and 0.9229 mL mg-1 s-1, respectively (Au:Ag alloy = 1:1). T 1- and T 2-weighted images of the nanoshells showed that these agents can both increase the surrounding water proton signals in the T 1-weighted image and reduce the signal in T 2-weighted images. The as-synthesized nanoparticles exhibited strong absorption in the range of 600-800 nm, their optical properties being strongly dependent upon the thickness of the gold-silver alloy shell. Thus, these nanoshells have the potential to be utilized for tumor cell ablation because of their absorption as well as an imaging agent.

Characterization, antibacterial, antioxidant, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory and antityrosinase activity of green synthesized silver nanoparticles using Calophyllum tomentosum leaves extract

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Govindappa, M.; Hemashekhar, B.; Arthikala, Manoj-Kumar; Ravishankar Rai, V.; Ramachandra, Y. L.

2018-06-01

The current research study is to develop an easy and eco-friendly method for the synthesis of AgNPs using aqueous leaf extract of Calophyllum tomentosum (CtAgNPs) and evaluated the extract to know the effects of anti-bacterial, antioxidant, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory and anti-tyrosinase activity. Using UV-vis spectrophotometer, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) characterized the Calophyllum tomentosum mediated silver nanoparticles. The leaf extract of C. tomentosum yielded flavonoids, saponins, tannins, alkaloids, glycosides, phenols, terpenoids and coumarins. AgNPs formation was confirmed by UV-vis spectra at 438 nm. Crystalline structure with a face centered cubic (fcc) of AgNPs was observed in XRD. FTIR had shown that the phytochemicals were responsible for the reduction and capping material of silver nanoparticles. The size and shape of the AgNPs were determined using SEM. From EDX study analysed the strong absorption property of AgNPs. The CtAgNPs have showed significant antibacterial activity on multi drug resistance bacteria. The CtAgNPs had shown strong antioxidant (DPPH, H2O2 scavenging, nitric oxide scavenging power, reducing power) activities. The CtAgNPs had strongly inhibited the α-glucosidase and DPPIV compared to α-amylase. The CtAgNPs exhibited strong anti-inflammatory activity (albumin denaturation, membrane stabilization, heat haemolytic, protein inhibitory, lipoxygenase, xanthine oxidase) and tyrosinase inhibitory activity. To our best knowledge, this is the first attempt on the synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Calophyllum tomentosum leaves extract. Hence, to validate our results the in vivo studies at molecular level are needed to develop an antioxidant, anti-diabetic and anti-inflammatory agent.

Mulberry leaf extract mediated synthesis of gold nanoparticles and its anti-bacterial activity against human pathogens

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Adavallan, K.; Krishnakumar, N.

2014-06-01

Gold nanoparticles (Au-NPs) were synthesized at room temperature using Morus alba (mulberry) leaf extract as reducing and stabilizing agent. The development of plant mediated synthesis of nanoparticles is gaining importance due to its simplicity, low cost, non-toxicity, eco-friendliness, long term stability and reproducible aqueous synthesis method to obtain a self-assembly of nearly monodispersed Au-NPs. The formation and morphology of biosynthesized nanoparticles are investigated with the help of UV-Vis spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), x-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) techniques. Au-NPs formation was screened by UV-Vis spectroscopy through color conversion due to surface plasmon resonance band at 538 nm for Au-NPs. DLS studies revealed that the average size of Au-NPs was 50 nm. TEM studies showed the particles to be nearly spherical with few irregular shapes and particle size ranges 15-53 nm. The AFM image clearly shows the surface morphology of the well-dispersed Au-NPs with less than 50 nm. The high crystallinity of nanoparticles is evident from bright circular spots in the selected area electron diffraction (SAED) pattern. X-ray diffraction pattern showed high purity and face-centered cubic structure of Au-NPs. The FT-IR results indicate the presence of different functional groups present in the biomolecule capping the nanoparticles. Further, biosynthesized Au-NPs show strong zone of inhibition against Vibrio cholera (gram-negative) and Staphylococcus aureus (gram-positive) whereas, chemically synthesized Au-NPs and mulberry leaf extract exhibit a fair zone of inhibition.

The study of poly(L-lactide) grafted silica nanoparticles on the film blowing of poly(L-lactide)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Feng; Liu, Zhengying; Yang, Mingbo

2015-05-01

PLA nanocomposites are prepared by us, and to better develop the function of silica nanoparticle, the surface of silica nanoparticles are modified by introducing PLA chains via "grafting to" method in our research. According to the results of 1H NMR and TGA, it shows that the PLA grafted Silica nanoparticles are successfully synthesized by controlling the reaction condition, and the molecular weight of the grafted PLA chains is relatively as high as 22 400 g/mol. PLA Nanocomposites with modified nanoparticles are prepared using a convenient melt blending method to guarantee well-distribution of the particles. The well-dispersion state of silica nanospheres is confirmed by Scan Electrical Micrograph (SEM) technology. From the dynamic shear rheology tests, the strain and time sweep both reveal that stability networks are formed in these nanocomposites. And the frequency sweep shows that the nanoparticles with long grafted chains dramatically enhanced the storage and viscosity of the pure PLA. The rheology testing suggests that strong particle-matrix interactions between molecularly/nano-level dispersed grafted silica and PLA chains formed; and the elongational viscosity of PLA has been markedly improved with the addition of the nanoparticle. The effect of modified nanoparticles on the thermal properties of PLA has also been studied by us using Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). It reveals that the crystallization rate of PLA has been improved as the long grafted chains play as the nucleation sites for PLA. Finally based on these rheology and crystallization researches, the nanocomposites are used to prepare PLA blowing films. Compared to pure PLA and PLA/unmodified silica nanocomposites, the results show that the stability of the film blowing has been greatly improved and the blow-up ratio has been increased with the addition of PLA grafted nanoparticles. The modified nanoparticles hold significant candidates to improve the thermal stability and the processability of pure PLA, especially used as special processing agent in the field of PLA stretch shaping process.

Surface- and tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy reveals spin-waves in iron oxide nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rodriguez, Raul D.; Sheremet, Evgeniya; Deckert-Gaudig, Tanja; Chaneac, Corinne; Hietschold, Michael; Deckert, Volker; Zahn, Dietrich R. T.

2015-05-01

Nanomaterials have the remarkable characteristic of displaying physical properties different from their bulk counterparts. An additional degree of complexity and functionality arises when oxide nanoparticles interact with metallic nanostructures. In this context the Raman spectra due to plasmonic enhancement of iron oxide nanocrystals are here reported showing the activation of spin-waves. Iron oxide nanoparticles on gold and silver tips are found to display a band around 1584 cm-1 attributed to a spin-wave magnon mode. This magnon mode is not observed for nanoparticles deposited on silicon (111) or on glass substrates. Metal-nanoparticle interaction and the strongly localized electromagnetic field contribute to the appearance of this mode. The localized excitation that generates this mode is confirmed by tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (TERS). The appearance of the spin-waves only when the TERS tip is in close proximity to a nanocrystal edge suggests that the coupling of a localized plasmon with spin-waves arises due to broken symmetry at the nanoparticle border and the additional electric field confinement. Beyond phonon confinement effects previously reported in similar systems, this work offers significant insights on the plasmon-assisted generation and detection of spin-waves optically induced.Nanomaterials have the remarkable characteristic of displaying physical properties different from their bulk counterparts. An additional degree of complexity and functionality arises when oxide nanoparticles interact with metallic nanostructures. In this context the Raman spectra due to plasmonic enhancement of iron oxide nanocrystals are here reported showing the activation of spin-waves. Iron oxide nanoparticles on gold and silver tips are found to display a band around 1584 cm-1 attributed to a spin-wave magnon mode. This magnon mode is not observed for nanoparticles deposited on silicon (111) or on glass substrates. Metal-nanoparticle interaction and the strongly localized electromagnetic field contribute to the appearance of this mode. The localized excitation that generates this mode is confirmed by tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (TERS). The appearance of the spin-waves only when the TERS tip is in close proximity to a nanocrystal edge suggests that the coupling of a localized plasmon with spin-waves arises due to broken symmetry at the nanoparticle border and the additional electric field confinement. Beyond phonon confinement effects previously reported in similar systems, this work offers significant insights on the plasmon-assisted generation and detection of spin-waves optically induced. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c5nr01277e

Pullulan-coated phospholipid and Pluronic F68 complex nanoparticles for carrying IR780 and paclitaxel to treat hepatocellular carcinoma by combining photothermal therapy/photodynamic therapy and chemotherapy

PubMed Central

Zhang, Tao; Wan, Guoyun; Chen, Bowei; Xiong, Qingqing; Zhang, Jie; Zhang, Wenxue; Wang, Yinsong

2017-01-01

IR780, a near-infrared dye, can also be used as a photosensitizer both for photothermal therapy (PTT) and photodynamic therapy (PDT). In this study, we designed a simple but effective nanoparticle system for carrying IR780 and paclitaxel, thus hoping to combine PTT/PDT and chemotherapy to treat hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This nanosystem, named PDF nanoparticles, consisted of phospholipid/Pluronic F68 complex nanocores and pullulan shells. IR780 and paclitaxel were loaded separately into PDF nanoparticles to form PDFI and PDFP nanoparticles, which had regular sphere shapes and relatively small sizes. Upon near-infrared laser irradiation at 808 nm, PDFI nanoparticles showed strong PTT/PDT efficacy both in vitro and in vivo. In MHCC-97H cells, the combined treatment of PDFI nanoparticles/laser irradiation and PDFP nanoparticles exhibited significant synergistic effects on inhibiting cell proliferation and inducing cell apoptosis and cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase. In MHCC-97H tumor-bearing mice, PDFI nanoparticles exhibited excellent HCC-targeting and accumulating capability after intravenous injection. Furthermore, the combined treatment of PDFI nanoparticles/laser irradiation and PDFP nanoparticles also effectively inhibited the tumor growth and the tumor angiogenesis in MHCC-97H tumor-bearing mice. In summary, we put forward a therapeutic strategy for HCC treatment by combining PTT/PDT and chemotherapy. PMID:29255359

Pullulan-coated phospholipid and Pluronic F68 complex nanoparticles for carrying IR780 and paclitaxel to treat hepatocellular carcinoma by combining photothermal therapy/photodynamic therapy and chemotherapy.

PubMed

Wang, Dan; Zhang, Sipei; Zhang, Tao; Wan, Guoyun; Chen, Bowei; Xiong, Qingqing; Zhang, Jie; Zhang, Wenxue; Wang, Yinsong

2017-01-01

IR780, a near-infrared dye, can also be used as a photosensitizer both for photothermal therapy (PTT) and photodynamic therapy (PDT). In this study, we designed a simple but effective nanoparticle system for carrying IR780 and paclitaxel, thus hoping to combine PTT/PDT and chemotherapy to treat hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This nanosystem, named PDF nanoparticles, consisted of phospholipid/Pluronic F68 complex nanocores and pullulan shells. IR780 and paclitaxel were loaded separately into PDF nanoparticles to form PDFI and PDFP nanoparticles, which had regular sphere shapes and relatively small sizes. Upon near-infrared laser irradiation at 808 nm, PDFI nanoparticles showed strong PTT/PDT efficacy both in vitro and in vivo. In MHCC-97H cells, the combined treatment of PDFI nanoparticles/laser irradiation and PDFP nanoparticles exhibited significant synergistic effects on inhibiting cell proliferation and inducing cell apoptosis and cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase. In MHCC-97H tumor-bearing mice, PDFI nanoparticles exhibited excellent HCC-targeting and accumulating capability after intravenous injection. Furthermore, the combined treatment of PDFI nanoparticles/laser irradiation and PDFP nanoparticles also effectively inhibited the tumor growth and the tumor angiogenesis in MHCC-97H tumor-bearing mice. In summary, we put forward a therapeutic strategy for HCC treatment by combining PTT/PDT and chemotherapy.

Optical emission spectroscopy of microwave-plasmas at atmospheric pressure applied to the growth of organosilicon and organotitanium nanopowders

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kilicaslan, A.; Levasseur, O.; Roy-Garofano, V.; Profili, J.; Moisan, M.; Côté, C.; Sarkissian, A.; Stafford, L.

2014-03-01

An atmospheric-pressure plasma sustained by an electromagnetic surface wave (SW) in the microwave regime combined with a bubbler/flash evaporator for the injection of liquid precursors was used to produce organosilicon and organotitanium nanopowders. Following the addition of hexamethyldisiloxane (HMDSO) vapors in the nominally pure argon plasma, optical emission spectra revealed the apparition of strong C2 molecular bands along with Si and Balmer H emission lines. Such features were not observed in our atmospheric-pressure Ar/HMDSO discharges controlled by dielectric barriers, indicating that microwave plasmas are characterized by much higher fragmentation levels of the precursors due to much higher electron densities. Emission spectra from the Ar/HMDSO SW plasma further showed a high-intensity continuum, the intensity of which decreased with time as powders started to form on the discharge tube walls. In presence of titanium isopropoxide (TTIP) vapors in the nominally pure Ar plasma, the emission was dominated by Ar and Ti lines, with no trace of carbon and no continuum. Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy of the powders formed in Ar/HMDSO plasmas showed very strong Si-(CH3)x and O-Si-(CH3)x bands, which is consistent with the formation of silicon oxycarbide. Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) further showed tube and sheet-like nanofeatures as well as larger structures consisting of agglomerated primary clusters. On the other hand, introduction of O2 in Ar/HMDSO plasmas produced only round-like nanoparticles with strong Si-O-Si bands and no trace of carbon, consistent with the formation of SiOx. The average size of the silica nanoparticles was 50 nm. FTIR spectra of powders formed in Ar/TTIP plasmas showed strong Ti-O signals, even without the addition of O2 in the gas phase. Corresponding TEM analysis showed nano- and agglomerated features comparable to those obtained in Ar/HMDSO although the average size of the titanate nanoparticles was smaller (10 nm). This set of data indicates that SW plasmas represent a promising parametric tool not only to achieve nanopowders with tailored properties for applications, but also for fundamental studies of nanodusty plasmas at atmospheric-pressure.

Synthesis of ferromagnetic nanoparticles, formic acid oxidation catalyst nanocomposites, and late-transition metal-boride intermetallics by unique synthetic methods and single-source precursors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wellons, Matthew S.

The design, synthesis, and characterization of magnetic alloy nanoparticles, supported formic acid oxidation catalysts, and superhard intermetallic composites are presented. Ferromagnetic equatomic alloy nanoparticles of FePt, FePd, and CoPt were synthesized utilizing single-source heteronuclear organometallic precursors supported on an inert water-soluble matrix. Direct conversion of the precursor-support composite to supported ferromagnetic nanoparticles occurs under elevated temperatures and reducing conditions with metal-ion reduction and minimal nanoparticle coalescence. Nanoparticles were easily extracted from the support by addition of water and characterized in structure and magnetic properties. Palladium and platinum based nanoparticles were synthesized with microwave-based and chemical metal-ion reduction strategies, respectively, and tested for catalytic performance in a direct formic acid fuel cell (DFAFC). A study of palladium carbide nanocomposites with various carbonaceous supports was conducted and demonstrated strong activity comparable to commercially available palladium black, but poor catalytic longevity. Platinum-lead alloy nanocomposites synthesized with chemical reduction and supported on Vulcan carbon demonstrated strong activity, excellent catalytic longevity, and were subsequently incorporated into a prototype DFAFC. A new method for the synthesis of superhard ceramics on polymer substrates called Confined Plasma Chemical Deposition (CPCD) was developed. The CPCD method utilizes a tuned Free Electron Laser to selectively decompose the single-source precursor, Re(CO)4(B3H8), in a plasma-like state resulting in the superhard intermetallic ReB2 deposited on polymer substrates. Extension of this method to the synthesis of other hard of superhard ceramics; WB4, RuB2, and B4C was demonstrated. These three areas of research show new synthetic methods and novel materials of technological importance, resulting in a substantial advance in their respective fields.

Ultrasound-guided photoacoustic imaging of lymph nodes with biocompatible gold nanoparticles as a novel contrast agent (Conference Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, In-Cheol; Dumani, Diego; Emelianov, Stanislav Y.

2017-02-01

A key step in staging cancer is the diagnosis of metastasis that spreads through lymphatic system. For this reason, researchers develop various methods of sentinel lymph node mapping that often use a radioactive tracer. This study introduces a safe, cost-effective, high-resolution, high-sensitivity, and real-time method of visualizing the sentinel lymph node: ultrasound-guided photoacoustic (US/PA) imaging augmented by a contrast agent. In this work, we use clearable gold nanoparticles covered by a biocompatible polymer (glycol chitosan) to enhance cellular uptake by macrophages abundant in lymph nodes. We incubate macrophages with glycol-chitosan-coated gold nanoparticles (0.05 mg Au/ml), and then fix them with paraformaldehyde solution for an analysis of in vitro dark-field microscopy and cell phantom. The analysis shows enhanced cellular uptake of nanoparticles by macrophages and strong photoacoustic signal from labeled cells in tissue-mimicking cell phantoms consisting gelatin solution (6 %) with silica gel (25 μm, 0.3%) and fixed macrophages (13 X 105 cells). The in-vivo US/PA imaging of cervical lymph nodes in healthy mice (nu/nu, female, 5 weeks) indicates a strong photoacoustic signal from a lymph node 10 minutes post-injection (2.5 mg Au/ml, 80 μl). The signal intensity and the nanoparticle-labeled volume of tissue within the lymph node continues to increase until 4 h post-injection. Histological analysis further confirms the accumulation of gold nanoparticles within the lymph nodes. This work suggests the feasibility of molecular/cellular US/PA imaging with biocompatible gold nanoparticles as a photoacoustic contrast agent in the diagnosis of lymph-node-related diseases.

Polyfibroblast: A Self-Healing and Galvanic Protection Additive

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-02-28

inside. Figure 2 shows that the microcapsules indeed have silica nanoparticles decorating the outside of the polyurea shell. They appear roughly...water more strongly than the polyurea . Overall, this hygroscopic nature means that the drying methods need to be more aggressive. Polyfibroblast

Effects of pH and calcination temperature on structural and optical properties of alumina nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Amirsalari, A.; Farjami Shayesteh, S.

2015-06-01

In this study, we describe the synthesis of alumina nanoparticles using a chemical wet method in at varying pH. The optimized prepared particles with pH equals to 9 were calcined at various temperatures. For characterization of structural and optical properties of nanoparticles had been used X-ray diffraction, Infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy, field effect-scanning electron microscopy, photoluminescence and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy. The results revealed that the nanoparticles calcined at 500 °C consist of an Al2O3 tetragonal structure and tetragonal distortion decreases with increasing calcination temperature up to 750 °C then increased with increasing temperature. Another phase similar to γ-Al2O3 was formed instead of δ-Al2O3 in the transition sequence from the γ to θ phase. FT-IR analysis; suggests that there are a few different types of functional groups on the surface of the alumina nanoparticles such as hydroxy groups and oxy groups. The transmittance spectra showed that the absorption bands in the UV region strongly depend on the calcination temperature. Moreover, the results showed that alumina has an optical direct band gap and that the energy gap decreases with increasing the calcination temperature and pH of the reaction. Luminescence spectra showed that some luminescent centers such as OH-related radiative centers and oxygen vacancies (F, F22+ and F2 centers) centers exist in the nanoparticles.

The Formation and Binding of Gold Nanoparticles onto Wool Fibres

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Johnston, James H.; Burridge, Kerstin A.; Kelly, Fern M.

2009-07-01

This paper presents the novel use of nanosize gold with different plasmon resonance colours, as stable colourfast colourants on wool fibres for use in high quality fabrics and textiles. The gold nanoparticles are synthesised by the controlled reduction of Au3+ in the AuCl4- complex to Au0 onto the surface of the wool where they attach to the S in the cystine amino acids in wool keratin proteins. Scanning electronmicroscopy shows the nanoparticles are present on the cuticles of the fibre surface and are concentrated at the edges of these cuticles. EDS analysis shows a strong correlation of Au with S and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy suggests Au-S bond formation. Hence the nanogold colourants are chemically bound to the wool fibre surface and do not fade as traditional organic dyes do. A range of coloured fibres have been produced.

Synthesis and In Vitro Performance of Polypyrrole-Coated Iron-Platinum Nanoparticles for Photothermal Therapy and Photoacoustic Imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Phan, Thi Tuong Vy; Bui, Nhat Quang; Moorthy, Madhappan Santha; Lee, Kang Dae; Oh, Junghwan

2017-10-01

Multifunctional nano-platform for the combination of photo-based therapy and photoacoustic imaging (PAI) for cancer treatment has recently attracted much attention to nanotechnology development. In this study, we developed iron-platinum nanoparticles (FePt NPs) with the polypyrrole (PPy) coating as novel agents for combined photothermal therapy (PTT) and PAI. The obtained PPy-coated FePt NPs (FePt@PPy NPs) showed excellent biocompatibility, photothermal stability, and high near-infrared (NIR) absorbance for the combination of PTT and PAI. In vitro investigation experimentally demonstrated the effectiveness of FePt@PPy NPs in killing cancer cells with NIR laser irradiation. Moreover, the phantom test of PAI used in conjunction with FePt@PPy NPs showed a strong photoacoustic signal. Thus, the novel FePt@PPy NPs could be considered as promising multifunctional nanoparticles for further applications of photo-based diagnosis and treatment.

Impact of spherical nanoparticles on nematic order parameters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kyrou, C.; Kralj, S.; Panagopoulou, M.; Raptis, Y.; Nounesis, G.; Lelidis, I.

2018-04-01

We study experimentally the impact of spherical nanoparticles on the orientational order parameters of a host nematic liquid crystal. We use spherical core-shell quantum dots that are surface functionalized to promote homeotropic anchoring on their interface with the liquid crystal host. We show experimentally that the orientational order may be strongly affected by the presence of spherical nanoparticles even at low concentrations. The orientational order of the composite system is probed by means of polarized micro-Raman spectroscopy and by optical birefringence measurements as function of temperature and concentration. Our data show that the orientational order depends on the concentration in a nonlinear way, and the existence of a crossover concentration χc≈0.004 pw . It separates two different regimes exhibiting pure-liquid crystal like (χ <χc ) and distorted-nematic ordering (χ >χc ), respectively. In the latter phase the degree of ordering is lower with respect to the pure-liquid crystal nematic phase.

The Formation and Binding of Gold Nanoparticles onto Wool Fibres

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Johnston, James H.; Burridge, Kerstin A.; Kelly, Fern M.

2009-07-23

This paper presents the novel use of nanosize gold with different plasmon resonance colours, as stable colourfast colourants on wool fibres for use in high quality fabrics and textiles. The gold nanoparticles are synthesised by the controlled reduction of Au{sup 3+} in the AuCl{sub 4}{sup -} complex to Au{sup 0} onto the surface of the wool where they attach to the S in the cystine amino acids in wool keratin proteins. Scanning electronmicroscopy shows the nanoparticles are present on the cuticles of the fibre surface and are concentrated at the edges of these cuticles. EDS analysis shows a strong correlationmore » of Au with S and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy suggests Au-S bond formation. Hence the nanogold colourants are chemically bound to the wool fibre surface and do not fade as traditional organic dyes do. A range of coloured fibres have been produced.« less

Kinetics activity of Yersinia Intermedia Against ZnO Nanoparticles Either Synergism Antibiotics by Double-Disc Synergy Test Method.

PubMed

Fathi Azar Khavarani, Motahareh; Najafi, Mahla; Shakibapour, Zahra; Zaeifi, Davood

2016-03-01

Bacterial resistance to the commonly used antibacterial agents is an increasing challenge in the medicine, and a major problem for the health care systems; the control of their spread is a constant challenge for the hospitals. In this study, we have investigated the antimicrobial activity of the Zinc Oxide nanoparticles against clinical sample; Yersinia intermedia bacteria. Nanoparticle susceptibility constants and death kinetic were used to evaluate the antimicrobial characteristics of the Zinc Oxide (ZnO) against the bacteria. Antimicrobial tests were performed with 10 8 cfu.mL -1 at baseline. At first, Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of ZnO was determined and then nanoparticle suspension at one and two times of the MIC was used for death kinetic and susceptibility constant assay at 0 to 360 min treatment time. ZnO nanoparticles with size ranging from 10 to 30 nm showed the highest susceptibility reaction against Y. intermedia (Z=39.06 mL.μg -1 ). The process of Y. intermedia death in ZnO suspension was assumed to follow the first-order kinetics and the survival ratio of bacteria decreased with the increasing treatment time. An increased concentration of the nanoparticle was seen to enhance the bactericidal action of the nanoparticle. Then we performed the best ratio of the nanoparticles on semi-sensitive and resistance antibiotic for the bacteria. However, based on experimental results, synergy of ZnO nanoparticles and Oxacilin was determined and Y. intermedia showed a higher sensitivity compared to the ZnO nanoparticles alone. The results of the present study illustrates that ZnO has a strong antimicrobial effect and could potentially be employed to aid the bacterial control. It could also improve- antibacterial effects in combination with the antibiotics.

A recyclable Au(I) catalyst for selective homocoupling of arylboronic acids: significant enhancement of nano-surface binding for stability and catalytic activity.

PubMed

Zhang, Xin; Zhao, Haitao; Wang, Jianhui

2010-08-01

Au nanoparticles stabilized by polystyrene-co-polymethacrylic acid microspheres (PS-co-PMAA) were prepared and characterized via X-ray diffraction (XRD), and transmission electron microscope (TEM). The Au nanoparticles supported on the microspheres showed highly selective catalytic activity for homo-coupling reactions of arylboronic acids in a system of aryl-halides and arylboronic acids. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) spectra of the catalyst shows large amounts of Au(I) complexes band to the surface of the Au nanoparticles, which contributes to the selective homocoupling of the arylboronic acids. More importantly, this supported Au complex is a highly recyclable catalyst. The supported Au catalyst can be recycled and reused at least 6 times for a phenylboronic acid reactant, whereas the parent complex shows very low catalytic activity for this compound. The high catalytic activity of this material is attributed to: (1) the high surface to volume ratio which leads to more active sites being exposed to reactants; (2) the strong surface binding of the Au nanoparticle to the Au(I) complexes, which enhances both the stability and the catalytic activity of these complexes.

Structure and Dynamics of Polymer/Polymer grafted nanoparticle composite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Archer, Lynden

Addition of nanoparticles to polymers is a well-practiced methodology for augmenting various properties of the polymer host, including mechanical strength, thermal stability, barrier properties, dimensional stability and wear resistance. Many of these property changes are known to arise from nanoparticle-induced modification of polymer structure and chain dynamics, which are strong functions of the dispersion state of the nanoparticles' and on their relative size (D) to polymer chain dimensions (e.g. Random coil radius Rg or entanglement mesh size a) . This talk will discuss polymer nanocomposites (PNCs) comprised of Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) tethered silica nanoparticles (SiO2-PEG) dispersed in polymers as model systems for investigating phase stability and dynamics of PNCs. On the basis of small-angle X-ray Scattering, it will be shown that favorable enthalpic interactions between particle-tethered chains and a polymer host provides an important mechanism for creating PNCs in which particle aggregation is avoided. The talk will report on polymer and particle scale dynamics in these materials and will show that grafted nanoparticles well dispersed in a polymer host strongly influence the host polymer relaxation dynamics on all timescales and the polymers in turn produce dramatic changes in the nature (from diffusive to hyperdiffusive) and speed of nano particle decorrelation dynamics at the polymer entanglement threshold. A local viscosity model capable of explaining these observations is discussed and the results compared with scaling theories for NP motions in polymers This material is based on work supported by the National Science Foundation Award Nos. DMR-1609125 and CBET-1512297.

Influence of EDTA{sup 2-} on the hydrothermal synthesis of CdTe nanocrystallites

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Gong Haibo; School of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Jinan, Jinan 250022; Hao Xiaopeng, E-mail: xphao@sdu.edu.cn

2011-12-15

Transformation from Te nanorods to CdTe nanoparticles was achieved with the assistance of EDTA as a ligand under hydrothermal conditions. Experimental results showed that at the beginning of reaction Te nucleated and grew into nanorods. With the proceeding of reaction, CdTe nucleus began to emerge on the surface, especially on the tips of Te nanorods. Finally, nearly monodispersed hexagonal CdTe nanoparticles with diameters of about 200 nm were obtained. The effects of EDTA on the morphology and formation of CdTe nanoparticles were discussed in consideration of the strong ligand-effect of EDTA, which greatly decreased the concentration of Cd{sup 2+}. Furthermore,more » the possible formation process of CdTe nanoparticles from Te nanorods was further proposed. The crystal structure and morphology of the products were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). - Graphical Abstract: Firstly, Te nucleated and grew into nanorods in the presence of EDTA{sup 2-}. Then CdTe nucleus began to emerge on Te nanorods and finally monodispersed CdTe nanoparticles were obtained. Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer EDTA serves as a strong ligand with Cd{sup 2+}. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The existence of EDTA constrains the nucleation of CdTe and promotes the formation of Te nanorods. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer With the proceeding of reaction, CdTe nucleus began to emerge on the surface, especially on the tips of Te nanorods. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Nearly monodispersed hexagonal CdTe nanoparticles with diameters of about 200 nm were finally obtained.« less

Synthesis and Luminescence Properties of Core/Shell ZnS:Mn/ZnO Nanoparticles.

PubMed

Jiang, Daixun; Cao, Lixin; Liu, Wei; Su, Ge; Qu, Hua; Sun, Yuanguang; Dong, Bohua

2009-01-01

In this paper the influence of ZnO shell thickness on the luminescence properties of Mn-doped ZnS nanoparticles is studied. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images showed that the average diameter of ZnS:Mn nanoparticles is around 14 nm. The formation of ZnO shells on the surface of ZnS:Mn nanoparticles was confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns, high-resolution TEM (HRTEM) images, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) measurements. A strong increase followed by a gradual decline was observed in the room temperature photoluminescence (PL) spectra with the thickening of the ZnO shell. The photoluminescence excitation (PLE) spectra exhibited a blue shift in ZnO-coated ZnS:Mn nanoparticles compared with the uncoated ones. It is shown that the PL enhancement and the blue shift of optimum excitation wavelength are led by the ZnO-induced surface passivation and compressive stress on the ZnS:Mn cores.

The effects of plasma inhomogeneity on the nanoparticle coating in a low pressure plasma reactor

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Pourali, N.; Foroutan, G.

2015-10-15

A self-consistent model is used to study the surface coating of a collection of charged nanoparticles trapped in the sheath region of a low pressure plasma reactor. The model consists of multi-fluid plasma sheath module, including nanoparticle dynamics, as well as the surface deposition and particle heating modules. The simulation results show that the mean particle radius increases with time and the nanoparticle size distribution is broadened. The mean radius is a linear function of time, while the variance exhibits a quadratic dependence. The broadening in size distribution is attributed to the spatial inhomogeneity of the deposition rate which inmore » turn depends on the plasma inhomogeneity. The spatial inhomogeneity of the ions has strong impact on the broadening of the size distribution, as the ions contribute both in the nanoparticle charging and in direct film deposition. The distribution width also increases with increasing of the pressure, gas temperature, and the ambient temperature gradient.« less

The effect of reaction temperature on the particle size of bismuth oxide nanoparticles synthesized via hydrothermal method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zulkifli, Zulfa Aiza; Razak, Khairunisak Abdul; Rahman, Wan Nordiana Wan Abdul

2018-05-01

Bismuth oxide (Bi2O3) nanoparticles have been synthesized at different temperatures from 70 to 120˚C without any subsequent heat treatment using hydrothermal method. The particle size, and crystal structure of as-synthesized particles were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM), Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and Fourier transform Infra-Red (FTIR). The nanoparticles are of a pure moniclinic Bi2O3 phase with rods shape. The average size of nanoparticles increases with the increase of reaction temperature. It was clear that longer reaction temperature allows precipitation completely occured and form larger nanoparticles (NPs). The crystallinity of Bi2O3 also are of high purity even at lower reaction temperature. The FTIR spectrum showed the absorption band at 845 cm-1 which is attributed to Bi-O-Bi bond, and the strong absorption band recorded at 424 cm-1 that is due to the stretching mode of Bi-O.

Synthesis, structural and optical properties of PVP coated transition metal doped ZnS nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Desai, N. V.; Shaikh, I. A.; Rawal, K. G.; Shah, D. V.

2018-05-01

The room temperature photoluminescence (PL) of transition metal doped ZnS nanoparticles is investigated in the present study. The PVP coated ZnS nanoparticles doped with transition metals are synthesized by facile wet chemical co-precipitation method with the concentration of impurity 1%. The UV-Vis absorbance spectra have a peak at 324nm which shifts slightly to 321nm upon introduction of the impurity. The incorporation of the transition metal as dopant is confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The particle size and the morphology are characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), XRD and UV-Vis spectroscopy. The average size of synthesized nanoparticles is about 2.6nm. The room temperature photoluminescence (PL) of undoped and doped ZnS nanoparticles show a strong and sharp peak at 782nm and 781.6nm respectively. The intensity of the PL changes with the type of doping having maximum for manganese (Mn).

Synthesis and Characterization of Pure Copper Nanostructures Using Wood Inherent Architecture as a Natural Template

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dong, Youming; Wang, Kaili; Tan, Yi; Wang, Qingchun; Li, Jianzhang; Mark, Hughes; Zhang, Shifeng

2018-04-01

The inherent sophisticated structure of wood inspires researchers to use it as a natural template for synthesizing functional nanoparticles. In this study, pure copper nanoparticles were synthesized using poplar wood as a natural inexpensive and renewable template. The crystal structure and morphologies of the copper nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffraction and field emission scanning electron microscopy. The optical properties, antibacterial properties, and stability of the hybrid wood materials were also tested. Due to the hierarchical and anisotropic structure and electron-rich components of wood, pure copper nanoparticles with high stability were synthesized with fcc structure and uniform sizes and then assembled into corncob-like copper deposits along the wood cell lumina. The products of nanoparticles depended strongly on the initial OH- concentration. With an increase in OH- concentration, Cu2O gradually decreased and Cu remained. Due to the restrictions inherent in wood structure, the derived Cu nanoparticles showed similar grain size in spite of increased Cu2+ concentration. This combination of Cu nanostructures and wood exhibited remarkable optical and antibacterial properties.

Biodesulfurization of Dibenzothiophene by Microbial Cells Coated with Magnetite Nanoparticles

PubMed Central

Shan, GuoBin; Xing, JianMin; Zhang, HuaiYing; Liu, HuiZhou

2005-01-01

Microbial cells of Pseudomonas delafieldii were coated with magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles and then immobilized by external application of a magnetic field. Magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles were synthesized by a coprecipitation method followed by modification with ammonium oleate. The surface-modified Fe3O4 nanoparticles were monodispersed in an aqueous solution and did not precipitate in over 18 months. Using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), the average size of the magnetic particles was found to be in the range from 10 to 15 nm. TEM cross section analysis of the cells showed further that the Fe3O4 nanoparticles were for the most part strongly absorbed by the surfaces of the cells and coated the cells. The coated cells had distinct superparamagnetic properties. The magnetization (δs) was 8.39 emu · g−1. The coated cells not only had the same desulfurizing activity as free cells but could also be reused more than five times. Compared to cells immobilized on Celite, the cells coated with Fe3O4 nanoparticles had greater desulfurizing activity and operational stability. PMID:16085841

Nanoparticle engineering of colloidal suspension behavior

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chan, Angel Thanda

We investigate the effects of highly charged nanoparticles on the phase behavior, structure, and assembly of colloidal microsphere suspensions. Specifically, by selectively tuning the electrostatic interactions between silica microspheres and polystyrene nanoparticles, we study the behavior of four key systems: (i) strongly repulsive, (ii) haloing, (iii) weakly attractive, and (iv) strongly attractive systems. In each system, a combination of nanoparticle adsorption, zeta potential, and confocal microscopy measurements are carried out to systematically study the effects of nanoparticle volume fraction, microsphere/nanoparticle size ratios, and interparticle interactions on their behavior. Our observations indicate that minimal adsorption of highly charged nanoparticles occurs on like-charged and negligibly-charged microspheres, whereas their extent of association increases dramatically with increasing microsphere-nanoparticle attraction. A rich phase behavior emerges in these systems based on whether the nanoparticle species serve as depletants, haloing, or bridging species. The phase transitions in the haloing system occur at constant nanoparticle volume fractions, φnano, over a broad range of microsphere volume fractions, φmicro . By contrast, the observed transitions in the weakly and strongly attractive mixtures occur at a constant number ratio of nanoparticles per microsphere, Nnano/Nmicro. Important structural differences emerge, which can be exploited in the assembly of colloidal gels for direct ink writing and colloidal crystals on epitaxially patterned substrates. Finally, for the first time, we explore nanoparticle haloing as a new route for stabilizing hydrophobic colloidal drugs in aqueous suspensions media for preparation of injectable pharmaceuticals. These microsphere suspensions exhibit improved stability relative to their surfactant-stabilized counterparts after autoclaving, a critical processing step for this target applications. This research opens up a new avenue for stabilization of hydrophobic particles, when surfactant additions alone do not provide sufficient stabilization.

Strong coupling between a single nitrogen-vacancy spin and the rotational mode of diamonds levitating in an ion trap

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Delord, T.; Nicolas, L.; Chassagneux, Y.; Hétet, G.

2017-12-01

A scheme for strong coupling between a single atomic spin and the rotational mode of levitating nanoparticles is proposed. The idea is based on spin readout of nitrogen-vacancy centers embedded in aspherical nanodiamonds levitating in an ion trap. We show that the asymmetry of the diamond induces a rotational confinement in the ion trap. Using a weak homogeneous magnetic field and a strong microwave driving we then demonstrate that the spin of the nitrogen-vacancy center can be strongly coupled to the rotational mode of the diamond.

Toxic Effects of Nickel Oxide Bulk and Nanoparticles on the Aquatic Plant Lemna gibba L.

PubMed Central

Oukarroum, Abdallah; Barhoumi, Lotfi; Samadani, Mahshid

2015-01-01

The aquatic plant Lemna gibba L. was used to investigate and compare the toxicity induced by 30 nm nickel oxide nanoparticles (NiO-NPs) and nickel(II) oxide as bulk (NiO-Bulk). Plants were exposed during 24 h to 0–1000 mg/L of NiO-NPs or NiO-Bulk. Analysis of physicochemical characteristics of nanoparticles in solution indicated agglomerations of NiO-NPs in culture medium and a wide size distribution was observed. Both NiO-NPs and NiO-Bulk caused a strong increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation, especially at high concentration (1000 mg/L). These results showed a strong evidence of a cellular oxidative stress induction caused by the exposure to NiO. Under this condition, NiO-NPs and NiO-Bulk induced a strong inhibitory effect on the PSII quantum yield, indicating an alteration of the photosynthetic electron transport performance. Under the experimental conditions used, it is clear that the observed toxicity impact was mainly due to NiO particles effect. Therefore, results of this study permitted determining the use of ROS production as an early biomarker of NiO exposure on the aquatic plant model L. gibba used in toxicity testing. PMID:26075242

Atomic layer deposited highly dispersed platinum nanoparticles supported on non-functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes for the hydrogenation of xylose to xylitol

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liang, Xinhua; Jiang, Chengjun

2013-09-01

Highly dispersed platinum nanoparticles were deposited on gram quantities of non-functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) by atomic layer deposition (ALD) in a fluidized bed reactor at 300 °C. (Methylcyclopentadienyl) trimethylplatinum and oxygen were used as precursors. The results of TEM analysis showed that 1.3 nm Pt nanoparticles were highly dispersed on non-functionalized MWCNTs. The porous structures of MWCNTs did not change with the deposition of Pt nanoparticles. For comparison, the commercial 3 wt% Pt/C catalyst was also characterized. The ALD-prepared Pt/MWCNT was used for the hydrogenation of xylose to xylitol. The ALD-prepared Pt/MWCNT showed the best catalytic performance with 100 % conversion of xylose and 99.3 % selectivity to xylitol, compared to commercially available Pt/C, Ru/C, and Raney Ni catalysts. The stability of ALD produced Pt/MWCNT catalyst was higher than that of the commercial Pt/C, due to the presence of surface defects on the MWCNTs and the strong metal-support interaction for the ALD-prepared Pt/MWCNT catalyst.

Synergistic effect in an Au-Ag alloy nanocatalyst: CO oxidation.

PubMed

Liu, Jun-Hong; Wang, Ai-Qin; Chi, Yu-Shan; Lin, Hong-Ping; Mou, Chung-Yuan

2005-01-13

Au-Ag alloy nanoparticles supported on mesoporous aluminosilicate have been prepared by one-pot synthesis using hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) both as a stabilizing agent for nanoparticles and as a template for the formation of mesoporous structure. The formation of Au-Ag alloy nanoparticles was confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Although the Au-Ag alloy nanoparticles have a larger particle size than the monometallic gold particles, they exhibited exceptionally high activity in catalysis for low-temperature CO oxidation. Even at a low temperature of 250 K, the reaction rate can reach 8.7 x 10(-6) mol.g(cat.)(-1).s(-1) at an Au/Ag molar ratio of 3/1. While neither monometallic Au@MCM-41 nor Ag@MCM-41 shows activity at this temperature, the Au-Ag alloy system shows a strongly synergistic effect in high catalytic activity. In this alloy system, the size effect is no longer a critical factor, whereas Ag is believed to play a key role in the activation of oxygen.

The green synthesis of Ag/ZnO in montmorillonite with enhanced photocatalytic activity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sohrabnezhad, Sh.; Seifi, A.

2016-11-01

The Ag/ZnO-MMT nanocomposite was prepared using urtica dioica leaf extract. To improve the photocatalytic properties of ZnO-MMT nanocomposite, silver metal nanoparticles was deposited over nanocomposite. Zn(CH3COO)2, AgNO3 and Urtica dioica leaf extract were used as a zinc, silver precursor and reducing agent, respectively. The nanocomposite was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and ultraviolet-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS). The powder X-ray diffraction showed that Ag/ZnO nanoparticles located on the surface MMT layers. The diffuse reflectance spectra of nanocomposite indicated a strong surface plasmon resonance (SPR) absorption band in the visible region, resulting from metallic Ag nanoparticles. TEM image demonstrated the presence of silver nanoparticles with an average size of 2-4 nm over both MMT and flower-shape ZnO. The photocatalytic activity of nanocomposite was studied for destructive reaction methylene blue dye under visible light. In addition, the effects of different parameters such as amount of nanocomposite, concentration of the dye and pH of the solution were studied. The results showed that modiffication of ZnO-MMT nanocomposite with silver nanoparticles increased the percentage of discoloration methylene blue (MB) from 38.95 to 91.95. MMT matrix showed an important role in the reduction of recombination of electron-hole in nanocomposite.

In-situ degradation of soil-sorbed 17β-estradiol using carboxymethyl cellulose stabilized manganese oxide nanoparticles: Column studies.

PubMed

Han, Bing; Zhang, Man; Zhao, Dongye

2017-04-01

This work tested a new remediation technology for in-situ degradation of estrogens by delivering a new class of stabilized manganese oxide (MnO 2 ) nanoparticles in contaminated soils. The nanoparticles were prepared using a food-grade carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) as a stabilizer, which was able to facilitate particle delivery into soil. The effectiveness of the technology was tested using 17β-estradiol (E2) as a model estrogen and three sandy loams (SL1, SL2, and SL3) as model soils. Column transport tests showed that the nanoparticles can be delivered in the three soils, though retention of the nanoparticles varied. The nanoparticle retention is strongly dependent on the injection pore velocity. The treatment effectiveness is highly dependent upon the mass transfer rates of both the nanoparticles and contaminants. When the E2-laden soils were treated with 22-130 pore volumes of a 0.174 g/L MnO 2 nanoparticle suspension, up to 88% of water leachable E2 was degraded. The nanoparticles were more effective for soils that offer moderate desorption rates of E2. Decreasing injection velocity or increasing MnO 2 concentration facilitate E2 degradation. The nanoparticles-based technology appears promising for in-situ oxidation of endocrine disruptors in groundwater. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Shock-induced compaction of nanoparticle layers into nanostructured coating

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mayer, Alexander E.; Ebel, Andrei A.

2017-10-01

A new process of shock wave consolidation of nanoparticles into a nanocrystalline coating is theoretically considered. In the proposed scheme, the nanoparticle layers, which are attached to the substrate surface by adhesion, are compacted by plane ultra-short shock waves coming from the substrate. The initial adhesion is self-arisen at any contact between the nanoparticles without a pre-compression. The absence of the nanoparticle ejections due to the shock wave action is connected with the strong adhesive forces, which allow nanoparticles to be attached to each other and to substrate while they are being compacted; this should be valid for small enough nanoparticles. Severe plastic deformation of the nanoparticles and the increased temperature due to collapse of voids between them facilitate their compaction into the monolithic nanocrystalline layer. We consider the examples of Cu and Ni nanoparticles on Al substrate using molecular dynamic simulations. We show the efficiency of the action of multiple shock waves with the duration in the range 2-20 ps and the amplitude in the range 4-12 GPa for sequential layerwise compaction of nanoparticles. A series of shock waves can be created by a repetitive powerful pulsed laser irradiation of the opposite surface of the substrate. The method offers the challenge for the formation of nanostructured coatings of various compositions. The thickness of the compacted nanocrystalline coating can be locally varied and controlled by the number of acting pulses.

Nanoparticles in Mesostructured Polymers: Stabilizations and Morphology Selection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Jaeup; O'Shaughnessy, Ben

2002-03-01

A major challenge in the rapidly developing field of nano-materials is finding ways to create delicate spatial arrangements of nano-sized particles. Nanostructured polymer phases and ultrathin polymer films offer potential templates to spontaneously generate this spatial organization. Here we present theory of such systems. Our conclusions are as follows. (1) Nanoparticles tending to aggregate into clusters under van der Waals attractions may be stabilized in a stretched polymer environment as offered by tethered thin film brushes or lamellar diblock phases. By extending the hydrodynamic analogy of Williams and Pincus to the real case of the end-annealed Semenov brush, we show cluster formation is strongly influenced: disc-shaped clusters are suppressed in favor of extended cylindrical forms. (2) The final morphology of extended nanoparticle aggregates depends on the polymer environment. If the nanoparticle/air/polymer surface tensions and the degree of chain stretching satisfy certain conditions, the polymer media selects the length scale of nanoparticle clusters. This offers the possibility of tuning nanoparticle aggregate morphology by suitable choice of polymeric media. Our predictions are consistent with experiments at Columbia by Levicky, Durning, Cerise and Liu demonstrating nanoparticle stabilization and morphology selection in ultrathin end-tethered polymer films.

Dual Agent Loaded PLGA Nanoparticles Enhanced Antitumor Activity in a Multidrug-Resistant Breast Tumor Eenograft Model

PubMed Central

Chen, Yan; Zheng, Xue-Lian; Fang, Dai-Long; Yang, Yang; Zhang, Jin-Kun; Li, Hui-Li; Xu, Bei; Lei, Yi; Ren, Ke; Song, Xiang-Rong

2014-01-01

Multidrug-resistant breast cancers have limited and ineffective clinical treatment options. This study aimed to develop PLGA nanoparticles containing a synergistic combination of vincristine and verapamil to achieve less toxicity and enhanced efficacy on multidrug-resistant breast cancers. The 1:250 molar ratio of VCR/VRP showed strong synergism with the reversal index of approximately 130 in the multidrug-resistant MCF-7/ADR cells compared to drug-sensitive MCF-7 cells. The lyophilized nanoparticles could get dispersed quickly with the similar size distribution, zeta potential and encapsulation efficiency to the pre-lyophilized nanoparticles suspension, and maintain the synergistic in vitro release ratio of drugs. The co-encapsulated nanoparticle formulation had lower toxicity than free vincristine/verapamil combinations according to the acute-toxicity test. Furthermore, the most effective tumor growth inhibition in the MCF-7/ADR human breast tumor xenograft was observed in the co-delivery nanoparticle formulation group in comparison with saline control, free vincristine, free vincristine/verapamil combinations and single-drug nanoparticle combinations. All the data demonstrated that PLGANPs simultaneously loaded with chemotherapeutic drug and chemosensitizer might be one of the most potential formulations in the treatment of multidrug-resistant breast cancer in clinic. PMID:24552875

Intra- and interparticle magnetism of cobalt-doped iron-oxide nanoparticles encapsulated in a synthetic ferritin cage

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Skoropata, E.; Desautels, R. D.; Falvo, E.; Ceci, P.; Kasyutich, O.; Freeland, J. W.; van Lierop, J.

2014-11-01

We present an in-depth examination of the composition and magnetism of cobalt (Co2 +)-doped iron-oxide nanoparticles encapsulated in Pyrococcus furiosus ferritin shells. We show that the Co2 + dopant ions were incorporated into the γ -Fe2O3/Fe3O4 core, with small paramagnetic-like clusters likely residing on the surface of the nanoparticle that were observed for all cobalt-doped samples. In addition, element-specific characterization using Mössbauer spectroscopy and polarized x-ray absorption indicated that Co2 + was incorporated exclusively into the octahedral B sites of the spinel-oxide nanoparticle. Comparable superparamagnetic blocking temperatures, coercivities, and effective anisotropies were obtained for 7%, 10%, and 12% cobalt-doped nanoparticles, and were only slightly reduced for 3% cobalt, indicating a strong effect of cobalt incorporation, with a lesser effect of cobalt content. Due to the regular particle size and separation that result from the use of the ferritin cage, a comparison of the effects of interparticle interactions on the disordered assembly of nanoparticles was also obtained that indicated significantly different behaviors between undoped and cobalt-doped nanoparticles.

Effects of laser fluence and liquid media on preparation of small Ag nanoparticles by laser ablation in liquid

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moura, Caroline Gomes; Pereira, Rafael Santiago Floriani; Andritschky, Martin; Lopes, Augusto Luís Barros; Grilo, João Paulo de Freitas; Nascimento, Rubens Maribondo do; Silva, Filipe Samuel

2017-12-01

This study aims to assess a method for preparation of small and highly stable Ag nanoparticles by nanosecond laser ablation in liquid. Effect of liquid medium and laser fluence on the size, morphology and structure of produced nanoparticles has been studied experimentally. Pulses of a Nd:YAG laser of 1064 nm wavelength at 35 ns pulse width at different fluences were employed to irradiate the silver target in different environments (water, ethanol and acetone). The UV-Visible absorption spectra of nanoparticles exhibit surface plasmon resonance absorption peak in the UV region. STEM and TEM micrographs were used to evaluate the size and shape of nanoparticles. The stability of silver colloids in terms of oxidation at different liquid media was analyzed by SAED patterns. The results showed that characteristics of Ag nanoparticles and their production rate were strongly influenced by varying laser fluence and liquid medium. Particles from 2 to 80 nm of diameter were produced using different conditions and no oxidation was found in ethanol and acetone media. This work puts in evidence a promising approach to produce small nanoparticles by using high laser fluence energy.

Origin and fate of nanoparticles in marine water - Preliminary results.

PubMed

Graca, Bożena; Zgrundo, Aleksandra; Zakrzewska, Danuta; Rzodkiewicz, Monika; Karczewski, Jakub

2018-05-05

The number, morphology and elemental composition of nanoparticles (<100 nm) in marine water was investigated using Variable Pressure Scanning Electron Microscopy (VP-SEM) and Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Preliminary research conducted in the Baltic Sea showed that the number of nanoparticles in seawater varied from undetectable to 380 (x10 2 ) cm -3 . Wind mixing and density barriers (thermocline) had a significant impact on the abundance and distribution of nanoparticles in water. Many more nanoparticles (mainly nanofibers) were detected in periods of intensive primary production and thermal stratification of water than at the end of the growing season and during periods of strong wind mixing. Temporal and spatial variability of nanoparticles as well as air mass trajectories indicated that the analysed nanofibers were both autochthonous and allochthonous (atmospheric), while the nanospheres were mainly autochthonous. Chemical composition of most of analysed nanoparticles indicates their autochthonous, natural (biogenic/geogenic) origin. Silica nanofibers (probably the remains of flagellates), nanofibers composed of manganese and iron oxides (probably of microbial origin), and pyrite nanospheres (probable formed in anoxic sediments), were all identified in the samples. Only asbestos nanofibers, which were also detected, are probably allochthonous and anthropogenic. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Ultrasound-induced capping of polystyrene on TiO2 nanoparticles by precipitation with compressed CO2 as antisolvent.

PubMed

Zhang, Jianling; Liu, Zhimin; Han, Buxing; Li, Junchun; Li, Zhonghao; Yang, Guanying

2005-06-01

In this work, a route for the synthesis of inorganic/polymer core/shell composite nanoparticles was proposed, which can be called the antisolvent-ultrasound method. Compressed CO2 was used as antisolvent to precipitate the polymer from its solution dispersed with inorganic nanoparticles, during which ultrasonic irradiation was used to induce the coating of precipitated polymers on the surfaces of the inorganic nanoparticles. TiO2/polystyrene (PS) core/shell nanocomposites have been successfully prepared using this method. The transmission electronic micrographs (TEM) of the obtained nanocomposites show that the TiO2 nanoparticles are coated by the PS shells, of which the thickness can be tuned by the pressure of CO2. The phase structure, absorption properties, and thermal stability of the composite were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-vis spectra, and thermogravimetry, respectively. The results of X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS) indicate the formation of a strong interaction between PS and TiO2 nanoparticles in the resultant products. This method has some potential advantages for applications and may be easily applied to the preparation of a range of inorganic/polymer core/shell composite nanoparticles.

Bacterially synthesized ferrite nanoparticles for magnetic hyperthermia applications.

PubMed

Céspedes, Eva; Byrne, James M; Farrow, Neil; Moise, Sandhya; Coker, Victoria S; Bencsik, Martin; Lloyd, Jonathan R; Telling, Neil D

2014-11-07

Magnetic hyperthermia uses AC stimulation of magnetic nanoparticles to generate heat for cancer cell destruction. Whilst nanoparticles produced inside magnetotactic bacteria have shown amongst the highest reported heating to date, these particles are magnetically blocked so that strong heating occurs only for mobile particles, unless magnetic field parameters are far outside clinical limits. Here, nanoparticles extracellularly produced by the bacteria Geobacter sulfurreducens are investigated that contain Co or Zn dopants to tune the magnetic anisotropy, saturation magnetization and nanoparticle sizes, enabling heating within clinical field constraints. The heating mechanisms specific to either Co or Zn doping are determined from frequency dependent specific absorption rate (SAR) measurements and innovative AC susceptometry simulations that use a realistic model concerning clusters of polydisperse nanoparticles in suspension. Whilst both particle types undergo magnetization relaxation and show heating effects in water under low AC frequency and field, only Zn doped particles maintain relaxation combined with hysteresis losses even when immobilized. This magnetic heating process could prove important in the biological environment where nanoparticle mobility may not be possible. Obtained SARs are discussed regarding clinical conditions which, together with their enhanced MRI contrast, indicate that biogenic Zn doped particles are promising for combined diagnostics and cancer therapy.

Structure and magnetic properties of Ni-poly(p-xylylene) nanocomposites synthesized by vapor deposition polymerization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ozerin, Sergei A.; Vdovichenko, Artem Yu.; Streltsov, Dmitry R.; Davydov, Alexander B.; Orekhov, Anton S.; Vasiliev, Alexander L.; Zubavichus, Yan V.; Grigoriev, Evgenii I.; Zavyalov, Sergei A.; Oveshnikov, Leonid N.; Aronzon, Boris A.; Chvalun, Sergei N.

2017-12-01

The relationship between structure, electrical and magnetic properties of thin poly(p-xylylene) - nickel nanocomposite films with Ni concentrations from 5 to 30 vol% was studied. It was found that metal concentration strongly affects size and oxidation state of the nanoparticles and composites morphology. At nickel concentration below 5 vol% the nanoparticles are oxidized to NiO and homogeneously distributed within fine-grained polymer matrix. An increase of Ni concentration up to 10 vol% results in the development of coarse-grained morphology with preferable localization of the nanoparticles at the boundaries of polymeric grains. And finally, in the composite films with nickel concentration above 20 vol%, the fine-grained morphology is observed again, but the nanoparticles are mainly metallic. Effect of the filler content on electrical and magnetic properties of the nanocomposites was elucidated showing that they are determined by percolation phenomenon with the threshold value of about 10 vol%. The well-pronounced magnetic hysteresis as well as ferromagnetic ordering were observed at Ni content above the percolation threshold. The diagrams of magnetic properties of these composites as a function of composition and temperature were elaborated. It was demonstrated that film annealing can be used to control magnetic properties of the composites and strongly enhance magnetoresistance.

Investigation of optical properties of nickel oxide nanostructures using photoluminescence and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Siddique, M. Naseem; Ahmed, Ateeq; Ali, T.; Tripathi, P.

2018-05-01

Nickel oxide (NiO) nanoparticles with a crystal size of around 16.26 nm have been synthesized via sol-gel method. The synthesized precursor was calcined at 600 °C for 4 hours to obtain the nickel oxide nanoparticles. The XRD analysis result indicated that the calcined sample has a cubic structure without any impurity phases. The FTIR analysis result confirmed the formation of NiO. The NiO nanoparticle exhibited absorption band edge at 277.27 nm and the optical band gap have been estimated approximately 4.47 eV using diffuse reflectance spectroscopy and photoluminescence emission spectrum of our as-synthesized sample showed strong peak at 3.65 eV attributed to the band edge transition.

Unusual polarization patterns in flat epitaxial ferroelectric nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Naumov, Ivan; Bratkovsky, Alexandr

2009-03-01

We investigate the effects of a lattice misfit strain on a ground state and polarization patterns in flat perovskite nanoparticles (nanoislands of BaTiO3 and PbZr0.5Ti0.5O3) with the use of an ab-initio derived effective Hamiltonian. We show that the strain strongly controls the balance between the depolarizing field and the polarization anizotropy in determining the equilibrium polarization patterns. Compressive strain favors 180 ^0 stripe/tweed domains while a tensile strain leads to in-plane vortex formation, with the unusual intermediate phase (s) where both ordering motifs coexist [1]. The results may allow to explain contradictions in recent experimental data for ferroelectric nanoparticles. [1] Ivan Naumov and Alexander M. Bratkovsky, Phys. Rev. Lett. 101, 107601 (2008).

Fluorescence Enhancement of Molecules Inside a Gold Nanomatryoshka

PubMed Central

2015-01-01

Metallic nanoparticles exhibiting plasmonic Fano resonances can provide large enhancements of their internal electric near field. Here we show that nanomatryoshkas, nanoparticles consisting of an Au core, an interstitial nanoscale SiO2 layer, and an Au shell layer, can selectively provide either a strong enhancement or a quenching of the spontaneous emission of fluorophores dispersed within their internal dielectric layer. This behavior can be understood by taking into account the near-field enhancement induced by the Fano resonance of the nanomatryoshka, which is responsible for enhanced absorption of the fluorophores incorporated into the nanocomplex. The combination of compact size and enhanced light emission with internal encapsulation of the fluorophores for increased biocompatibility suggests outstanding potential for this type of nanoparticle complex in biomedical applications. PMID:24738706

Free-floating magnetic microstructures by mask photolithography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huong Au, Thi; Thien Trinh, Duc; Bich Do, Danh; Phu Nguyen, Dang; Cong Tong, Quang; Diep Lai, Ngoc

2018-03-01

This work explores the fabrication of free-floating magnetic structures on a photocurable nanocomposite consisting of superparamagnetic magnetite nanoparticles (Fe3O4) and a commercial SU-8 negative tone photoresist. The nanocomposite was synthesized by mixing magnetic nanoparticles with different kinds of SU-8 resin. We demonstrated that the dispersion of Fe3O4 nanoparticles in nanocomposite solution strongly depended on the particles concentration, the viscosity of SU-8 polymer, and the mixing time. The influence of these factors was demonstrated by examining the structures fabricated by mask photolithography technique. We obtained the best quality of structures at a low concentration, below 5 wt%, of Fe3O4 nanoparticles in SU-8 2005 photoresist for a mixing time of about 20 days. The manipulation of free-floating magnetic microstructures by an external magnetic field was also demonstrated showing promising applications of this magnetic nanocomposite.

Strategies to optimize the biocompatibility of iron oxide nanoparticles - ;SPIONs safe by design;

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Janko, Christina; Zaloga, Jan; Pöttler, Marina; Dürr, Stephan; Eberbeck, Dietmar; Tietze, Rainer; Lyer, Stefan; Alexiou, Christoph

2017-06-01

Various nanoparticle systems have been developed for medical applications in recent years. For constant improvement of efficacy and safety of nanoparticles, a close interdisciplinary interplay between synthesis, physicochemical characterizations and toxicological investigations is urgently needed. Based on combined toxicological data, we follow a ;safe-by design; strategy for our superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPION). Using complementary interference-free toxicological assay systems, we initially identified agglomeration tendencies in physiological fluids, strong uptake by cells and improvable biocompatibility of lauric acid (LA)-coated SPIONs (SPIONLA). Thus, we decided to further stabilize those particles by an artificial protein corona consisting of serum albumin. This approach finally lead to increased colloidal stability, augmented drug loading capacity and improved biocompatibility in previous in vitro assays. Here, we show in whole blood ex vivo and on isolated red blood cells (RBC) that a protein corona protects RBCs from hemolysis by SPIONs.

On-chip synthesis of fine-tuned bone-seeking hybrid nanoparticles.

PubMed

Hasani-Sadrabadi, Mohammad Mahdi; Dashtimoghadam, Erfan; Bahlakeh, Ghasem; Majedi, Fatemeh S; Keshvari, Hamid; Van Dersarl, Jules J; Bertsch, Arnaud; Panahifar, Arash; Renaud, Philippe; Tayebi, Lobat; Mahmoudi, Morteza; Jacob, Karl I

2015-01-01

Here we report a one-step approach for reproducible synthesis of finely tuned targeting multifunctional hybrid nanoparticles (HNPs). A microfluidic-assisted method was employed for controlled nanoprecipitation of bisphosphonate-conjugated poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) chains, while coencapsulating superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles and the anticancer drug Paclitaxel. Smaller and more compact HNPs with narrower size distribution and higher drug loading were obtained at microfluidic rapid mixing regimen compared with the conventional bulk method. The HNPs were shown to have a strong affinity for hydroxyapatite, as demonstrated in vitro bone-binding assay, which was further supported by molecular dynamics simulation results. In vivo proof of concept study verified the prolonged circulation of targeted microfluidic HNPs. Biodistribution as well as noninvasive bioimaging experiments showed high tumor localization and suppression of targeted HNPs to the bone metastatic tumor. The hybrid bone-targeting nanoparticles with adjustable characteristics can be considered as promising nanoplatforms for various theragnostic applications.

Oxide and hydrogen capped ultrasmall blue luminescent Si nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Belomoin, Gennadiy; Therrien, Joel; Nayfeh, Munir

2000-08-01

We dispersed electrochemical etched silicon into a colloid of ultrasmall ultrabright Si nanoparticles. Direct imaging using transmission electron microscopy shows particles of ˜1 nm in diameter, and infrared and electron photospectroscopy show that they are passivated with hydrogen. Under 350 nm excitation, the luminescence is dominated by an extremely strong blue band at 390 nm. We replace hydrogen by a high-quality ultrathin surface oxide cap by self-limiting oxidation in H2O2. Upon capping, the excitation efficiency drops, but only by a factor of 2, to an efficiency still two-fold larger than that of fluorescein. Although of slightly lower brightness, capped Si particles have superior biocompatability, an important property for biosensing applications.

Preparation and characterization of supported magnetic nanoparticles prepared by reverse micelles

PubMed Central

Han, Luyang; Biskupek, Johannes; Kaiser, Ute; Ziemann, Paul

2010-01-01

Summary Monatomic (Fe, Co) and bimetallic (FePt and CoPt) nanoparticles were prepared by exploiting the self-organization of precursor loaded reverse micelles. Achievements and limitations of the preparation approach are critically discussed. We show that self-assembled metallic nanoparticles can be prepared with diameters d = 2–12 nm and interparticle distances D = 20–140 nm on various substrates. Structural, electronic and magnetic properties of the particle arrays were characterized by several techniques to give a comprehensive view of the high quality of the method. For Co nanoparticles, it is demonstrated that magnetostatic interactions can be neglected for distances which are at least 6 times larger than the particle diameter. Focus is placed on FePt alloy nanoparticles which show a huge magnetic anisotropy in the L10 phase, however, this is still less by a factor of 3–4 when compared to the anisotropy of the bulk counterpart. A similar observation was also found for CoPt nanoparticles (NPs). These results are related to imperfect crystal structures as revealed by HRTEM as well as to compositional distributions of the prepared particles. Interestingly, the results demonstrate that the averaged effective magnetic anisotropy of FePt nanoparticles does not strongly depend on size. Consequently, magnetization stability should scale linearly with the volume of the NPs and give rise to a critical value for stability at ambient temperature. Indeed, for diameters above 6 nm such stability is observed for the current FePt and CoPt NPs. Finally, the long-term conservation of nanoparticles by Au photoseeding is presented. PMID:21977392

Preparation, Characterization, and Preliminary In Vitro Testing of Nanoceria-Loaded Liposomes

PubMed Central

Grillone, Agostina; Li, Tianshu; Battaglini, Matteo; Scarpellini, Alice; Takeoka, Shinji

2017-01-01

Cerium oxide nanoparticles (nanoceria), well known for their pro- and antioxidant features, have been recently proposed for the treatment of several pathologies, including cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. However, interaction between nanoceria and biological molecules such as proteins and lipids, short blood circulation time, and the need of a targeted delivery to desired sites are some aspects that require strong attention for further progresses in the clinical application of these nanoparticles. The aim of this work is the encapsulation of nanoceria into a liposomal formulation in order to improve their therapeutic potentialities. After the preparation through a reverse-phase evaporation method, size, Z-potential, morphology, and loading efficiency of nanoceria-loaded liposomes were investigated. Finally, preliminary in vitro studies were performed to test cell uptake efficiency and preserved antioxidant activity. Nanoceria-loaded liposomes showed a good colloidal stability, an excellent biocompatibility, and strong antioxidant properties due to the unaltered activity of the entrapped nanoceria. With these results, the possibility of exploiting liposomes as carriers for cerium oxide nanoparticles is demonstrated here for the first time, thus opening exciting new opportunities for in vivo applications. PMID:28926967

Highly Stable Near-Infrared Fluorescent Organic Nanoparticles with a Large Stokes Shift for Noninvasive Long-Term Cellular Imaging.

PubMed

Zhang, Jinfeng; Chen, Rui; Zhu, Zelin; Adachi, Chihaya; Zhang, Xiaohong; Lee, Chun-Sing

2015-12-02

Fluorescent organic nanoparticles based on small molecules have been regarded as promising candidates for bioimaging in recent years. In this study, we report a highly stable near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent organic nanoprobes based on nanoparticles of an anthraquinone derivate with strong aggregation-induced emission (AIE) characteristics and a large Stokes shift (>175 nm). These endow the nanoprobe with high fluorescent brightness and high signal-to-noise ratio. On the other hand, the nanoprobe also shows low cytotoxicity, good stability over a wide pH range, superior resistance against photodegradation and photobleaching comparing to typical commercial fluorescent organic dyes such as fluorescein sodium. Endowed with such merits in term of optical performance, biocompatibility, and stability, the nanoprobe is demonstrated to be an ideal fluorescent probe for noninvasive long-term cellular tracing and imaging applications. As an example, it is shown that strong red fluorescence from the nanoprobe can still be clearly observed in A549 human lung cancer cells after incubation for six generations over 15 days.

A Discovery of Strong Metal–Support Bonding in Nanoengineered Au–Fe 3 O 4 Dumbbell-like Nanoparticles by in Situ Transmission Electron Microscopy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Han, Chang Wan; Choksi, Tej; Milligan, Cory

The strength of metal-support bonding in heterogeneous catalysts determines their thermal stability, therefore, a tremendous amount of effort has been expended to understand metal-support interactions. Herein, we report the discovery of an anomalous “strong metal-support bonding” between gold nanoparticles and “nano-engineered” Fe 3O 4 substrates by in-situ microscopy. During in-situ vacuum annealing of Au-Fe 3O 4 dumbbell-like nanoparticles, synthesized by the epitaxial growth of nano-Fe 3O 4 on Au nanoparticles, the gold nanoparticles transform into the monolayered gold thinfilms and wet the surface of nano-Fe 3O 4, as the surface reduction of nano-Fe 3O 4 proceeds. This phenomenon results frommore » a unique coupling of the size-and shape-dependent high surface reducibility of nano-Fe 3O 4 and the extremely strong adhesion between Au and the reduced Fe 3O 4. This strong-metal support bonding reveals the significance of controlling the metal oxide support size and morphology for optimizing metal-support bonding and, ultimately, for the development of improved catalysts and functional nanostructures.« less

A Discovery of Strong Metal-Support Bonding in Nanoengineered Au-Fe3O4 Dumbbell-like Nanoparticles by in Situ Transmission Electron Microscopy.

PubMed

Han, Chang Wan; Choksi, Tej; Milligan, Cory; Majumdar, Paulami; Manto, Michael; Cui, Yanran; Sang, Xiahan; Unocic, Raymond R; Zemlyanov, Dmitry; Wang, Chao; Ribeiro, Fabio H; Greeley, Jeffrey; Ortalan, Volkan

2017-08-09

The strength of metal-support bonding in heterogeneous catalysts determines their thermal stability, therefore, a tremendous amount of effort has been expended to understand metal-support interactions. Herein, we report the discovery of an anomalous "strong metal-support bonding" between gold nanoparticles and "nano-engineered" Fe 3 O 4 substrates by in situ microscopy. During in situ vacuum annealing of Au-Fe 3 O 4 dumbbell-like nanoparticles, synthesized by the epitaxial growth of nano-Fe 3 O 4 on Au nanoparticles, the gold nanoparticles transform into the gold thin films and wet the surface of nano-Fe 3 O 4 , as the surface reduction of nano-Fe 3 O 4 proceeds. This phenomenon results from a unique coupling of the size-and shape-dependent high surface reducibility of nano-Fe 3 O 4 and the extremely strong adhesion between Au and the reduced Fe 3 O 4 . This strong metal-support bonding reveals the significance of controlling the metal oxide support size and morphology for optimizing metal-support bonding and ultimately for the development of improved catalysts and functional nanostructures.

A Discovery of Strong Metal–Support Bonding in Nanoengineered Au–Fe 3 O 4 Dumbbell-like Nanoparticles by in Situ Transmission Electron Microscopy

DOE PAGES

Han, Chang Wan; Choksi, Tej; Milligan, Cory; ...

2017-06-26

The strength of metal-support bonding in heterogeneous catalysts determines their thermal stability, therefore, a tremendous amount of effort has been expended to understand metal-support interactions. Herein, we report the discovery of an anomalous “strong metal-support bonding” between gold nanoparticles and “nano-engineered” Fe 3O 4 substrates by in-situ microscopy. During in-situ vacuum annealing of Au-Fe 3O 4 dumbbell-like nanoparticles, synthesized by the epitaxial growth of nano-Fe 3O 4 on Au nanoparticles, the gold nanoparticles transform into the monolayered gold thinfilms and wet the surface of nano-Fe 3O 4, as the surface reduction of nano-Fe 3O 4 proceeds. This phenomenon results frommore » a unique coupling of the size-and shape-dependent high surface reducibility of nano-Fe 3O 4 and the extremely strong adhesion between Au and the reduced Fe 3O 4. This strong-metal support bonding reveals the significance of controlling the metal oxide support size and morphology for optimizing metal-support bonding and, ultimately, for the development of improved catalysts and functional nanostructures.« less

Green production of microalgae-based silver chloride nanoparticles with antimicrobial activity against pathogenic bacteria.

PubMed

da Silva Ferreira, Veronica; ConzFerreira, Mateus Eugenio; Lima, Luís Maurício T R; Frasés, Susana; de Souza, Wanderley; Sant'Anna, Celso

2017-02-01

Silver nanoparticles are powerful antimicrobial agents. Here, the synthesis of silver chloride nanoparticles (AgCl-NPs) was consistently evidenced from a commercially valuable microalgae species, Chlorella vulgaris. Incubation of C. vulgaris conditioned medium with AgNO 3 resulted in a medium color change to yellow/brown (with UV-vis absorbance at 415nm), indicative of silver nanoparticle formation. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) of purified nanoparticles confirmed the presence of both silver and chlorine atoms, and X-ray diffraction (XRD) showed the typical pattern of cubic crystalline AgCl-NPs. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed that most particles (65%) were spherical, with average diameter of 9.8±5.7nm. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) of purified nanoparticle fractions suggested that proteins are the main molecular entities involved in AgCl-NP formation and stabilization. AgCl-NPs (from 10μg/mL) decreased by 98% the growth of Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus and Gram-negative Klebsiella pneumoniae bacterial pathogens, and had a dose-dependent effect on cell viability, which was measured by automated image-based high content screening (HCS). Ultrastructural analysis of treated bacteria by TEM revealed the abnormal arrangement of the chromosomal DNA. Our findings strongly indicated that the AgCl-NPs from C. vulgaris conditioned medium is a promising 'green' alternative for biomedical application as antimicrobials. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Phytosynthesis of Iron Nanoparticle from Averrhoa Bilimbi Linn.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rosli, I. R.; Zulhaimi, H. I.; Ibrahim, S. K. M.; Gopinath, S. C. B.; Kasim, K. F.; Akmal, H. M.; Nuradibah, M. A.; Sam, T. S.

2018-03-01

This paper demonstrates iron nanoparticles (FeNP) was synthesized from natural sources of Averrhoa bilimbi Linn. The plant extracts act as natural reducing agent in producing FeNP. There is no addition of any surfactants during the nanoparticles formation. Gravimetric analysis is used to calculate the percentage yield of plant extracts. TPC and DPPH assay method were used to evaluate antioxidant activity in different A. bilimbi extracts and synthesized FeNP. Based on the analyses, it showed that fruit has the highest percentage yield and antioxidant activity followed by leaf, twig and bark. Analysis from TPC, fruit contains 27.26 mg GAE/g and 39.46 mg GAE/g for FeNP. DPPH assay showed fruit extract has the highest free radical antioxidant activity with 61.93% in A. bilimbi and 80.00% in FeNP. Phytosynthesis of FeNP were examine by using UV-Vis spectrophotometer. Based on the spectra, it showed that FeNP recorded peak absorbance at 465 nm, 450 nm, 460 nm and 440 nm for UAE-F, UAE-L, UAE-T and UAE-B, respectively. FTIR analysis shows the presence of strong alcoholic bond, aldehyde, stretch amine and alkene that was responsible in reduction process to form FeNP. The result of UV-Vis and FTIR showed that the existance of FeNP and involvement of functional group that were responsible on the formation of nanoparticles.

Vectorization by nanoparticles decreases the overall toxicity of airborne pollutants

PubMed Central

Maiz-Gregores, Helena; Nesslany, Fabrice; Betbeder, Didier

2017-01-01

Atmospheric pollution is mainly composed of volatile pollutants and particulate matter that strongly interact. However, their specific roles in the induction of cellular toxicity, in particular the impact of the vectorization of atmospheric pollutants by ultrafine particles, remains to be fully elucidated. For this purpose, non-toxic poly-lactic co-glycolic acid (PLGA) nanoparticles were synthesized and three pollutants (benzo(a)pyrene, naphthalene and di-ethyl-hexyl-phthalate) were adsorbed on the surface of the nanoparticles in order to evaluate the toxicity (cytotoxicity, genotoxicity and ROS induction) of these complexes to a human airway epithelial cell line. The adsorption of the pollutants onto the nanoparticles was confirmed by HPLC analysis. Interestingly, the cytotoxicity assays (MTT, LDH and CellTox Green) clearly demonstrated that the vectorization by nanoparticles decreases the toxicity of the adsorbed pollutants. Genotoxicity was assessed by the micronucleus test and the comet assay and showed no increase in primary DNA damage or in chromosomal aberrations of nanoparticle vectorized pollutants. Neither cytotoxicity nor genotoxicity was correlated with ROS induction. To conclude, our results indicate that the vectorization of pollutants by nanoparticles does not potentiate the toxicity of the pollutants studied and that, on the contrary, adsorption onto nanoparticles could protect cells against pollutants’ toxicity. PMID:28813539

Crystal structures and magnetic properties of polyethylene glycol (PEG-4000) and silica-encapsulated nickel ferrite (NiFe2O4) nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shofiah, Siti; Muflihatun, Suharyadi, Edi

2016-04-01

Crystal structures and magnetic properties of polyethylene glycol (PEG-4000) and silica encapsulated nickel ferrite (NiFe2O4) nanoparticles comparable sizes have been studied in detail. NiFe2O4 were prepared by co-precipitation methods. Crystalline size is 4.8 ± 0.2 nm became 1.6 ± 0.1 nm and 10.6 ± 0.3 nm after encapsulated PEG-4000 and silica, respectively. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed that encapsulated PEG-4000 and silica decreased agglomeration, controlled shape of nanoparticles more spherical and dispersed. Coercivity of NiFe2O4 was 46.2 Oe and then increased after encapsulated PEG-4000 to 47.8 Oe can be related to the multi-domains of NiFe2O4 as influence the crystalline size was decreased. Meanwhile, after encapsulated silica, coercivity of NiFe2O4 became 93 Oe as influence the crystalline size was increased at single-domains due to its strong shape anisotropy. Magnetization value decreased from 5.7 emu/g to 5.3 emu/g and 3.6 emu/g after encapsulated PEG-4000 and silica, respectively. The remanent magnetization showed decreasing when saturation magnetization decreased, and conversely. However, it also depends on presence of α-Fe2O3 phases and their material non magnetic of encapsulating. Based on the result, The magnetic properties exhibit a strong dependence on the crystalline size as influence PEG-4000 and silica encapsulated NiFe2O4 nanoparticles.

Study on the mechanism of antibacterial action of magnesium oxide nanoparticles against foodborne pathogens

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Magnesium oxide nanoparticles (MgO nanoparticles, with average size of 20 nm) have strong antibacterial activities against several important foodborne pathogens. Resazurin (a redox sensitive dye) microplate assay was used for measuring growth inhibition of bacteria treated with MgO nanoparticles. Th...

Electron Dynamics in Nanostructures in Strong Laser Fields

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kling, Matthias

2014-09-11

The goal of our research was to gain deeper insight into the collective electron dynamics in nanosystems in strong, ultrashort laser fields. The laser field strengths will be strong enough to extract and accelerate electrons from the nanoparticles and to transiently modify the materials electronic properties. We aimed to observe, with sub-cycle resolution reaching the attosecond time domain, how collective electronic excitations in nanoparticles are formed, how the strong field influences the optical and electrical properties of the nanomaterial, and how the excitations in the presence of strong fields decay.

Wall slipping behavior of foam with nanoparticle-armored bubbles and its flow resistance factor in cracks.

PubMed

Lv, Qichao; Li, Zhaomin; Li, Binfei; Husein, Maen; Shi, Dashan; Zhang, Chao; Zhou, Tongke

2017-07-11

In this work, wall slipping behavior of foam with nanoparticle-armored bubbles was first studied in a capillary tube and the novel multiphase foam was characterized by a slipping law. A crack model with a cuboid geometry was then used to compare with the foam slipping results from the capillary tube and also to evaluate the flow resistance factor of the foam. The results showed that the slipping friction force F FR in the capillary tube significantly increased by addition of modified SiO 2 nanoparticles, and an appropriate power law exponents by fitting F FR vs. Capillary number, Ca, was 1/2. The modified nanoparticles at the surface were bridged together and formed a dense particle "armor" surrounding the bubble, and the interconnected structures of the "armor" with strong steric integrity made the surface solid-like, which was in agreement with the slip regime associated with rigid surface. Moreover, as confirmed by 3D microscopy, the roughness of the bubble surface increased with nanoparticle concentration, which in turn increased the slipping friction force. Compared with pure SDBS foam, SDBS/SiO 2 foam shows excellent stability and high flow resistance in visual crack. The resistance factor of SiO 2 /SDBS foam increased as the wall surface roughness increased in core cracks.

Removal of Pb(II), Cd(II), Cu(II), and Zn(II) by hematite nanoparticles: effect of sorbent concentration, pH, temperature, and exhaustion.

PubMed

Shipley, Heather J; Engates, Karen E; Grover, Valerie A

2013-03-01

Nanoparticles offer the potential to improve environmental treatment technologies due to their unique properties. Adsorption of metal ions (Pb(II), Cd(II), Cu(II), Zn(II)) to nanohematite was examined as a function of sorbent concentration, pH, temperature, and exhaustion. Adsorption experiments were conducted with 0.05, 0.1, and 0.5 g/L nanoparticles in a pH 8 solution and in spiked San Antonio tap water. The adsorption data showed the ability of nanohematite to remove Pb, Cd, Cu, and Zn species from solution with adsorption increasing as the nanoparticle concentration increased. At 0.5 g/L nanohematite, 100 % Pb species adsorbed, 94 % Cd species adsorbed, 89 % Cu species adsorbed and 100 % Zn species adsorbed. Adsorption kinetics for all metals tested was described by a pseudo second-order rate equation with lead having the fastest rate of adsorption. The effect of temperature on adsorption showed that Pb(II), Cu(II), and Cd(II) underwent an endothermic reaction, while Zn(II) underwent an exothermic reaction. The nanoparticles were able to simultaneously remove multiple metals species (Zn, Cd, Pb, and Cu) from both a pH 8 solution and spiked San Antonio tap water. Exhaustion experiments showed that at pH 8, exhaustion did not occur for the nanoparticles but adsorption does decrease for Cd, Cu, and Zn species but not Pb species. The strong adsorption coupled with the ability to simultaneously remove multiple metal ions offers a potential remediation method for the removal of metals from water.

The molecular mechanism of fullerene-inhibited aggregation of Alzheimer's β-amyloid peptide fragment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xie, Luogang; Luo, Yin; Lin, Dongdong; Xi, Wenhui; Yang, Xinju; Wei, Guanghong

2014-07-01

Amyloid deposits are implicated in the pathogenesis of many neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). The inhibition of β-sheet formation has been considered as the primary therapeutic strategy for AD. Increasing data show that nanoparticles can retard or promote the fibrillation of amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides depending on the physicochemical properties of nanoparticles, however, the underlying molecular mechanism remains elusive. In this study, our replica exchange molecular dynamics (REMD) simulations show that fullerene nanoparticle - C60 (with a fullerene : peptide molar ratio greater than 1 : 8) can dramatically prevent β-sheet formation of Aβ(16-22) peptides. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) experiments further confirm the inhibitory effect of C60 on Aβ(16-22) fibrillation, in support of our REMD simulations. An important finding from our REMD simulations is that fullerene C180, albeit with the same number of carbon atoms as three C60 molecules (3C60) and smaller surface area than 3C60, displays an unexpected stronger inhibitory effect on the β-sheet formation of Aβ(16-22) peptides. A detailed analysis of the fullerene-peptide interaction reveals that the stronger inhibition of β-sheet formation by C180 results from the strong hydrophobic and aromatic-stacking interactions of the fullerene hexagonal rings with the Phe rings relative to the pentagonal rings. The strong interactions between the fullerene nanoparticles and Aβ(16-22) peptides significantly weaken the peptide-peptide interaction that is important for β-sheet formation, thus retarding Aβ(16-22) fibrillation. Overall, our studies reveal the significant role of fullerene hexagonal rings in the inhibition of Aβ(16-22) fibrillation and provide novel insight into the development of drug candidates against Alzheimer's disease.Amyloid deposits are implicated in the pathogenesis of many neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). The inhibition of β-sheet formation has been considered as the primary therapeutic strategy for AD. Increasing data show that nanoparticles can retard or promote the fibrillation of amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides depending on the physicochemical properties of nanoparticles, however, the underlying molecular mechanism remains elusive. In this study, our replica exchange molecular dynamics (REMD) simulations show that fullerene nanoparticle - C60 (with a fullerene : peptide molar ratio greater than 1 : 8) can dramatically prevent β-sheet formation of Aβ(16-22) peptides. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) experiments further confirm the inhibitory effect of C60 on Aβ(16-22) fibrillation, in support of our REMD simulations. An important finding from our REMD simulations is that fullerene C180, albeit with the same number of carbon atoms as three C60 molecules (3C60) and smaller surface area than 3C60, displays an unexpected stronger inhibitory effect on the β-sheet formation of Aβ(16-22) peptides. A detailed analysis of the fullerene-peptide interaction reveals that the stronger inhibition of β-sheet formation by C180 results from the strong hydrophobic and aromatic-stacking interactions of the fullerene hexagonal rings with the Phe rings relative to the pentagonal rings. The strong interactions between the fullerene nanoparticles and Aβ(16-22) peptides significantly weaken the peptide-peptide interaction that is important for β-sheet formation, thus retarding Aβ(16-22) fibrillation. Overall, our studies reveal the significant role of fullerene hexagonal rings in the inhibition of Aβ(16-22) fibrillation and provide novel insight into the development of drug candidates against Alzheimer's disease. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: The description of REMD simulations, analysis parameters, and AFM imaging of Aβ(16-22) aggregation with and without C60 nanoparticles, and three figures. The figures show the initial states, the convergence check for all the REMD runs, the PDF of the centroid distance (d) between the aromatic rings of Phe and its closest carbon ring, and the PDF of the angle between the two rings with a centroid distance of d <= 0.65 nm. See DOI: 10.1039/c4nr01005a

Visualisation of morphological interaction of diamond and silver nanoparticles with Salmonella Enteritidis and Listeria monocytogenes.

PubMed

Sawosz, Ewa; Chwalibog, André; Mitura, Katarzyna; Mitura, Stanisław; Szeliga, Jacek; Niemiec, Tomasz; Rupiewicz, Marlena; Grodzik, Marta; Sokołowska, Aleksandra

2011-09-01

Currently, medicine intensively searches for methods to transport drugs to a target (sick) point within the body. The objective of the present investigation was to evaluate morphological characteristics of the assembles of silver or diamond nanoparticles with Salmonella Enteritidis (G-) or Listeria monocytogenes (G+), to reveal possibilities of constructing nanoparticle-bacteria vehicles. Diamond nanoparticles (nano-D) were produced by the detonation method. Hydrocolloids of silver nanoparticles (nano-Ag) were produced by electric non-explosive patented method. Hydrocolloids of nanoparticles (200 microl) were added to bacteria suspension (200 microl) in the following order: nano-D + Salmonella E.; nano-D + Listeria monocytogenes; nano-Ag + Salmonella E; nano-Ag + Listeria monocytogenes. Samples were inspected by transmission electron microscopy. Visualisation of nanoparticles and bacteria interaction showed harmful effects of both nanoparticles on bacteria morphology. The most spectacular effect of nano-D were strong links between nano-D packages and the flagella of Salmonella E. Nano-Ag were closely attached to Listeria monocytogenes but not to Salmonella E. There was no evidence of entering nano-Ag inside Listeria monocytogenes but smaller particles were placed inside Salmonella E. The ability of nano-D to attach to the flagella and the ability of nano-Ag to penetrate inside bacteria cells can be utilized to design nano-bacteria vehicles, being carriers for active substances attached to nanoparticles.

Modeling the atomistic growth behavior of gold nanoparticles in solution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Turner, C. Heath; Lei, Yu; Bao, Yuping

2016-04-01

The properties of gold nanoparticles strongly depend on their three-dimensional atomic structure, leading to an increased emphasis on controlling and predicting nanoparticle structural evolution during the synthesis process. In order to provide this atomistic-level insight and establish a link to the experimentally-observed growth behavior, a kinetic Monte Carlo simulation (KMC) approach is developed for capturing Au nanoparticle growth characteristics. The advantage of this approach is that, compared to traditional molecular dynamics simulations, the atomistic nanoparticle structural evolution can be tracked on time scales that approach the actual experiments. This has enabled several different comparisons against experimental benchmarks, and it has helped transition the KMC simulations from a hypothetical toy model into a more experimentally-relevant test-bed. The model is initially parameterized by performing a series of automated comparisons of Au nanoparticle growth curves versus the experimental observations, and then the refined model allows for detailed structural analysis of the nanoparticle growth behavior. Although the Au nanoparticles are roughly spherical, the maximum/minimum dimensions deviate from the average by approximately 12.5%, which is consistent with the corresponding experiments. Also, a surface texture analysis highlights the changes in the surface structure as a function of time. While the nanoparticles show similar surface structures throughout the growth process, there can be some significant differences during the initial growth at different synthesis conditions.

A nano-bio interfacial protein corona on silica nanoparticle.

PubMed

Zhang, Hongyan; Peng, Jiaxi; Li, Xin; Liu, Shengju; Hu, Zhengyan; Xu, Guiju; Wu, Ren'an

2018-07-01

Nano-bio interaction takes the crucial role in bio-application of nanoparticles. The systematic mapping of interfacial proteins remains the big challenge as low level of proteins within interface regions and lack of appropriate technology. Here, a facile proteomic strategy was developed to characterize the interfacial protein corona (noted as IPC) that has strong interactions with silica nanoparticle, via the combination of the vigorous elution with high concentration sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and the pre-isolation of sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). The trace level IPCs for silica nanoparticle were thus qualitatively and quantitatively identified. Bioinformatics analyses revealed the intrinsic compositions, relevance and potential regularity addressing the strong interactions between IPC and nanoparticle. This strategy in determining IPCs is opening an avenue to give a deep insight to understand the interaction between proteins and not only nanoparticles but also other bulk materials. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Fabrication, Light Emission, and Magnetism of Silica Nanoparticles Hybridized with AIE Luminogens and Inorganic Nanostructures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Faisal, Mahtab

Much research efforts have been devoted in developing new synthetic approaches for fluorescent silica nanoparticles (FSNPs) due to their potential high-technological applications. However, light emissions from most of the FSNPs prepared so far have been rather weak. This is due to the emission quenching caused by the aggregation of fluorophores in the solid state. We have observed a novel phenomenon of aggregation-induced emission (AIE): a series of propeller-shaped molecules such as tetraphenylethene (TPE) and silole are induced to emit efficiently by aggregate formation. Thus, they are ideal fluorophors for the construction of FSNPs and my thesis work focuses on the synthesis of silica nanoparticles containing these luminogens and magnetic nanostructures. Highly emissive FSNPs with core-shell structures are fabricated by surfactant-free sol-gel reactions of tetraphenylethene- (TPE) and silole-functionalized siloxanes followed by the reactions with tetraethoxysilane. The FSNPs are uniformly sized, surface-charged and colloidally stable. The diameters of the FSNPs are tunable in the range of 45--295 nm by changing the reaction conditions. Whereas their TPE and silole precursors are non-emissive, the FSNPs emit strong visible lights, thanks to the novel aggregation-induced emission characteristics of the TPE and silole aggregates in the hybrid nanoparticles. The FSNPs pose no toxicity to living cells and can be utilized to selectively image cytoplasm of HeLa cells. Applying the same tool in the presence of citrate-coated magnetite nanoparticles, uniform magnetic fluorescent silica nanoparticles (MFSNPs) with smooth surfaces are fabricated. These particles exhibit appreciable surface charges and hence good colloidal stability. They are superparamagnetic, exhibiting no hysteresis at room temperature. UV irradiation of a suspension of MFSNPs in ethanol gives strong blue and green emissions. The MFSNPs can selectively stain the cytoplasmic regions of the living cells. Sol-gel reaction in the presence of (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane has generated MFSNP-NH2 with numerous amino functionalities decorated on the surfaces, enabling them to immobilize bovine serum albumin efficiently. FSNPs with strong light emissions are facilely fabricated by thio-click chemistry, Cu(I)-catalyzed 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition, and sol-gel reaction. The FSNPs are characterized by SEM, TEM, IR, PL, and zeta potential analyses. They are uniformly sized with smooth surfaces. Upon photoexcitation, the FSNPs emit strong visible lights with fluorescence quantum yields up to 25.5%. Sugar-functionalized fluorescent silica nanoparticles are facilely fabricated by click reaction of azide-modified FSNPs with sugar- containing phenylacetylene catalyzed by Cu(PPh3)3Br in THF. The nanoparticles are uniformly sized and emit efficient light upon photoexcitation. They can function as fluorescent visualizers for intracellular imaging and can target specific cancer cells. Folic acid-functionalized fluorescent silica nanoparticles are facilely fabricated by surface functionalization of FSNPs with folic acid. The nanoparticles are spherical in shape. They possess high zeta potentials and hence exhibit excellent colloidal stability. UV irradiation of suspensions of the nanoparticles in ethanol gives strong blue and green emissions at 465 and 490 nm with absolute fluorescence quantum yields up to 47%. Carboxylic acid and thiol-functionalized fluorescent silica nanoparticles (FSNP-COOH and FSNP-SH) with uniform particle sizes, narrow size distributions, and smooth surface morphologies are fabricated. The nanoparticles possess high surface charges and exhibit strong light emissions upon photoexcitation. They can adsorb lysozyme strongly on their surfaces and for 5 mg of FSNP-COOH and FSNP-SH, they can take 209 and 86 mug of lysozyme. Thus, they are potential carriers for protein and fluorescent probes or biosensors for an array of biological applications.

Photoluminescence study of Mn doped ZnS nanoparticles prepared by co-precipitation method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Deshpande, M. P.; Patel, Kamakshi; Gujarati, Vivek P.; Chaki, S. H.

2016-05-01

ZnS nanoparticles co-doped with different concentration (5,10,15%) of Mn were synthesized using polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as a capping agent under microwave irradiation. We confirmed doping of Mn in the host ZnS by EDAX whereas powder X-ray diffractogram showed the cubic zinc blende structure of all these samples. TEM images did showed agglomeration of particles and SAED pattern obtained indicated polycrystalline nature. From SAED pattern we calculated lattice parameter of the samples which have close resemblance from that obtained from XRD pattern. The band gap values of pure and doped ZnS nanoparticles were calculated from UV-Visible absorption spectra. ZnS itself is a luminescence material but when we dope it with transition metal ion such as Mn, Co, and Cu they exhibits strong and intense luminescence in the particular region. The photoluminescence spectra of pure ZnS nanoparticles showed an emission at 421 and 485nm which is blue emission which was originated from the defect sites of ZnS itself and also sulfur deficiency and when doped with Mn2+ an extra peak with high intensity was observed at 530nm which is nearly yellow-orange emission which isrelated to the presence of Mn in the host lattice.

Effect of mucoadhesive polymers on the in vitro performance of insulin-loaded silica nanoparticles: Interactions with mucin and biomembrane models.

PubMed

Andreani, Tatiana; Miziara, Leonardo; Lorenzón, Esteban N; de Souza, Ana Luiza R; Kiill, Charlene P; Fangueiro, Joana F; Garcia, Maria L; Gremião, Palmira D; Silva, Amélia M; Souto, Eliana B

2015-06-01

The present paper focuses on the development and characterization of silica nanoparticles (SiNP) coated with hydrophilic polymers as mucoadhesive carriers for oral administration of insulin. SiNP were prepared by sol-gel technology under mild conditions and coated with different hydrophilic polymers, namely, chitosan, sodium alginate or poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) with low and high molecular weight (PEG 6000 and PEG 20000) to increase the residence time at intestinal mucosa. The mean size and size distribution, association efficiency, insulin structure and insulin thermal denaturation have been determined. The mean nanoparticle diameter ranged from 289 nm to 625 nm with a PI between 0.251 and 0.580. The insulin association efficiency in SiNP was recorded above 70%. After coating, the association efficiency of insulin increased up to 90%, showing the high affinity of the protein to the hydrophilic polymer chains. Circular dichroism (CD) indicated that no conformation changes of insulin structure occurred after loading the peptide into SiNP. Nano-differential scanning calorimetry (nDSC) showed that SiNP shifted the insulin endothermic peak to higher temperatures. The influence of coating on the interaction of nanoparticles with dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) biomembrane models was also evaluated by nDSC. The increase of ΔH values suggested a strong association of non-coated SiNP and those PEGylated nanoparticles coated with DPPC polar heads by forming hydrogen bonds and/or by electrostatic interaction. The mucoadhesive properties of nanoparticles were examined by studying the interaction with mucin in aqueous solution. SiNP coated with alginate or chitosan showed high contact with mucin. On the other hand, non-coated SiNP and PEGylated SiNP showed lower interaction with mucin, indicating that these nanoparticles can interdiffuse across mucus network. The results of the present work provide valuable data in assessing the in vitro performance of insulin-loaded SiNP coated with mucoadhesive polymers. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Investigation of the Ligand-Nanoparticle Interface: A Cryogenic Approach for Preserving Surface Chemistry

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Karakoti, Ajay S.; Yang, Ping; Wang, Weina

2018-02-15

Ligand functionalized nanoparticles have replaced bare nanoparticles from most biological applications. These applications require tight control over size and stability of nanoparticles in aqueous medium. Understanding the mechanism of interaction of nanoparticle surfaces with functional groups of different organic ligands such as carboxylic acids is confounding despite the two decades of research on nanoparticles because of the inability to characterize their surfaces in their immediate environment. Often the surface interaction is understood by correlating the information available, in a piecemeal approach, from surface sensitive spectroscopic information of ligands and the bulk and surface information of nanoparticles. In present study wemore » report the direct interaction of 5-7 nm cerium oxide nanoparticles surface with acetic acid. In-situ XPS study was carried out by freezing the aqueous solution of nanoparticles to liquid nitrogen temperatures. Analysis of data collected concurrently from the ligands as well as functionalized frozen cerium oxide nanoparticles show that the acetic acid binds to the ceria surface in both dissociated and molecular state with equal population over the surface. The cerium oxide surface was populated predominantly with Ce4+ ions consistent with the thermal hydrolysis synthesis. DFT calculations reveal that the acetate ions bind more strongly to the cerium oxide nanoparticles as compared to the water and can replace the hydration sphere of nanoparticles resulting in high acetate/acetic surface coverage. These findings reveal molecular level interaction between the nanoparticle surfaces and ligands giving a better understanding of how materials behave in their immediate aqueous environment. This study also proposes a simple and elegant methodology to directly study the surface functional groups attached to nanoparticles in their immediate aqueous environment.« less

Investigation of the Ligand–Nanoparticle Interface: A Cryogenic Approach for Preserving Surface Chemistry

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Karakoti, Ajay S.; Yang, Ping; Wang, Weina

Ligand functionalized nanoparticles have replaced bare nanoparticles from most biological applications. These applications require tight control over size and stability of nanoparticles in aqueous medium. Understanding the mechanism of interaction of nanoparticle surfaces with functional groups of different organic ligands such as carboxylic acids is confounding despite the two decades of research on nanoparticles because of the inability to characterize their surfaces in their immediate environment. Often the surface interaction is understood by correlating the information available, in a piecemeal approach, from surface sensitive spectroscopic information of ligands and the bulk and surface information of nanoparticles. In present study wemore » report the direct interaction of 5-7 nm cerium oxide nanoparticles surface with acetic acid. In-situ XPS study was carried out by freezing the aqueous solution of nanoparticles to liquid nitrogen temperatures. Analysis of data collected concurrently from the ligands as well as functionalized frozen cerium oxide nanoparticles show that the acetic acid binds to the ceria surface in both dissociated and molecular state with equal population over the surface. The cerium oxide surface was populated predominantly with Ce4+ ions consistent with the thermal hydrolysis synthesis. DFT calculations reveal that the acetate ions bind more strongly to the cerium oxide nanoparticles as compared to the water and can replace the hydration sphere of nanoparticles resulting in high acetate/acetic surface coverage. These findings reveal molecular level interaction between the nanoparticle surfaces and ligands giving a better understanding of how materials behave in their immediate aqueous environment. This study also proposes a simple and elegant methodology to directly study the surface functional groups attached to nanoparticles in their immediate aqueous environment.« less

Towards a zero-waste oxidative coupling of nonactivated aromatics by supported gold nanoparticles.

PubMed

Serna, Pedro; Corma, Avelino

2014-08-01

We show that gold nanoparticles are able to perform the direct oxidative coupling of nonactivated aromatics with O2 as the only co-reagent. In this reaction, the aromatic acts both as reactant and solvent. Biphenyl, for example, can be obtained from benzene with high selectivity and a turnover number (TON) of 230 per pass. Similarly, several substituted biaryls can be prepared. Pd performs only one TON and even when a second catalytic functionality is introduced, together with strong acidic conditions, TON is always lower than 100. Other catalysts require iodine for performing the reaction, leading to 2 kg of waste for 1 kg of biphenyl formed, whereas no waste is created by the oxidative coupling with gold nanoparticles. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Strong surface enhanced Raman scattering from gold nanoarrays obtained by direct laser writing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ivanov, V. G.; Todorov, N. D.; Petrov, L. S.; Ritacco, T.; Giocondo, M.; Vlakhov, E. S.

2016-10-01

We report for surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) from arrays of gold nanoparticles produced by 2-photons photo-reduction of the metallic precursor (HAuCl4) hosted in a Poly-Vinyl Alcohol (PVA) matrix, on glass substrates. Samples with the same pattern but featuring different nanoparticles size and density were obtained by varying the writing laser power and scanning speed. The Raman spectra were recorded from samples immersed in a solution of rhodamine-6G (R6G), as well as, after exposure of the samples in xylene. SERS enhancement factors of up to ∼104 were obtained for both analytes. The measurements show that the SERS enhancement is maximized on golden strips produced at higher writing laser power and lower scanning speed, where closer nanoparticles packing is obtained..

Gold nanoparticles synthesized by Geobacillus sp. strain ID17 a thermophilic bacterium isolated from Deception Island, Antarctica

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background The use of microorganisms in the synthesis of nanoparticles emerges as an eco-friendly and exciting approach, for production of nanoparticles due to its low energy requirement, environmental compatibility, reduced costs of manufacture, scalability, and nanoparticle stabilization compared with the chemical synthesis. Results The production of gold nanoparticles by the thermophilic bacterium Geobacillus sp. strain ID17 is reported in this study. Cells exposed to Au3+ turned from colourless into an intense purple colour. This change of colour indicates the accumulation of intracellular gold nanoparticles. Elemental analysis of particles composition was verified using TEM and EDX analysis. The intracellular localization and particles size were verified by TEM showing two different types of particles of predominant quasi-hexagonal shape with size ranging from 5–50 nm. The mayority of them were between 10‒20 nm in size. FT-IR was utilized to characterize the chemical surface of gold nanoparticles. This assay supports the idea of a protein type of compound on the surface of biosynthesized gold nanoparticles. Reductase activity involved in the synthesis of gold nanoparticles has been previously reported to be present in others microorganisms. This reduction using NADH as substrate was tested in ID17. Crude extracts of the microorganism could catalyze the NADH-dependent Au3+ reduction. Conclusions Our results strongly suggest that the biosynthesis of gold nanoparticles by ID17 is mediated by enzymes and NADH as a cofactor for this biological transformation. PMID:23919572

Polyelectrolyte induced formation of silver nanoparticles in copolymer hydrogel and their application as catalyst

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

He, Yongqiang; Huang, Guanbo, E-mail: gbhuang2007@hotmail.com; Pan, Zeng

2015-10-15

Highlights: • A simple route for the in situ preparation of Ag nanoparticles has been developed. • The Ag loaded hydrogel showed catalytic activity for reduction of 4-nitrophenol. • The catalyst can be recovered by simple separation and showed good recyclability. - Abstract: A simple route for the in situ preparation of catalytically active Ag nanoparticles (NPs) in hydrogel networks has been developed. The electronegativity of the amide and carboxyl groups on the poly(acrylamide-co-acryl acid) chains caused strong binding of the Ag{sup +} ions which made the ions distribute uniformly inside the hydrogels. When the Ag{sup +} loaded hydrogels weremore » immersed in NaBH{sub 4} solution, the Ag{sup +} ions on the polymer networks were reduced to Ag NPs. The resultant hydrogel showed good catalytic activity for the reduction of a common organic pollutant, 4-nitrophenol, with sodium borohydride. A kinetic study of the catalytic reaction was carried out and a possible reason for the decline of the catalytic performance with reuse is proposed.« less

Brain Targeting Delivery Facilitated by Ligand-Functionalized Layered Double Hydroxide Nanoparticles.

PubMed

Chen, Weiyu; Zuo, Huali; Zhang, Enqi; Li, Li; Henrich-Noack, Petra; Cooper, Helen; Qian, Yujin; Xu, Zhi Ping

2018-06-20

A delivery platform with highly selective permeability through the blood-brain barrier (BBB) is essential for brain disease treatment. In this research, we designed and prepared a novel target nanoplatform, that is, layered double hydroxide (LDH) nanoparticle conjugated with targeting peptide-ligand Angiopep-2 (Ang2) or rabies virus glycoprotein (RVG) via intermatrix bovine serum albumin for brain targeting. In vitro studies show that functionalization with the target ligand significantly increases the delivery efficiency of LDH nanoparticles to the brain endothelial (bEnd.3) cells and the transcytosis through the simulated BBB model, that is, bEnd.3 cell-constructed multilayer membrane. In vivo confocal neuroimaging of the rat's blood-retina area dynamically demonstrates that LDH nanoparticles modified with peptide ligands have shown a prolonged retention period within the retina vessel in comparison with the pristine LDH group. Moreover, Ang2-modified LDH nanoparticles are found to more specifically accumulate in the mouse brain than the control and RVG-modified LDH nanoparticles after 2 and 48 h intravenous injection. All these findings strongly suggest that Ang2-modified LDHs can serve as an effective targeting nanoplatform for brain disease treatment.

Molybdenum cluster loaded PLGA nanoparticles: An innovative theranostic approach for the treatment of ovarian cancer.

PubMed

Brandhonneur, N; Hatahet, T; Amela-Cortes, M; Molard, Y; Cordier, S; Dollo, G

2018-04-01

We evaluate poly (d,l-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) nanoparticles embedding inorganic molybdenum octahedral cluster for photodynamic therapy of cancer (PDT). Tetrabutyl ammonium salt of Mo 6 Br 14 cluster unit, (TBA) 2 Mo 6 Br 14 , presents promising photosensitization activity in the destruction of targeted cancer cells. Stable cluster loaded nanoparticles (CNPs) were prepared by solvent displacement method showing spherical shapes, zeta potential values around -30 mV, polydispersity index lower than 0.2 and sizes around 100 nm. FT-IR and DSC analysis revealed the lack of strong chemical interaction between the cluster and the polymer within the nanoparticles. In vitro release study showed that (TBA) 2 Mo 6 Br 14 was totally dissolved in 20 min, while CNPs were able to control the release of encapsulated cluster. In vitro cellular viability studies conducted on A2780 ovarian cancer cell line treated up to 72 h with cluster or CNPs did not show any sign of toxicity in concentrations up to 20 µg/ml. This concentration was selected for photo-activation test on A2780 cells and CNPs were able to generate oxygen singlet resulting in a decrease of the cellular viability up to 50%, respectively compared to non-activated conditions. This work presents (TBA) 2 Mo 6 Br 14 as a novel photosensitizer for PDT and suggests PLGA nanoparticles as an efficient delivery system intended for tumor targeting. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Fluctuation-driven anisotropy in effective pair interactions between nanoparticles: Thiolated gold nanoparticles in ethane

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Jabes, B. Shadrack; Yadav, Hari O. S.; Chakravarty, Charusita, E-mail: charus@chemistry.iitd.ac.in

2014-10-21

Fluctuations within the ligand shell of a nanoparticle give rise to a significant degree of anisotropy in effective pair interactions for low grafting densities [B. Bozorgui, D. Meng, S. K. Kumar, C. Chakravarty, and A. Cacciuto, Nano Lett. 13, 2732 (2013)]. Here, we examine the corresponding fluctuation-driven anisotropy for gold nanocrystals densely passivated with short ligands. In particular, we consider gold nanocrystals capped by alkylthiols, both in vacuum and in ethane solvent at high density. As in the preceding study, we show that the anisotropy in the nanoparticle pair potential can be quantified by an angle-dependent correction term to themore » isotropic potential of mean force (PMF). We find that the anisotropy of the ligand shells is distance dependent, and strongly influenced by ligand interdigitation effects as well as expulsion of ligand chains from the interparticle region at short distances. Such fluctuation-driven anisotropy can be significant for alkylthiol-coated gold nanoparticles, specially for longer chain lengths, under good solvent conditions. The consequences of such anisotropy for self-assembly, specially as a function of grafting density, solvent quality and at interfaces, should provide some interesting insights in future work. Our results clearly show that an isotropic two-body PMF cannot adequately describe the thermodynamics and assembly behavior of nanoparticles in this dense grafting regime and inclusion of anisotropic effects, as well as possibly many-body interactions, is necessary. Extensions of this approach to other passivated nanoparticle systems and implications for self-assembly are considered.« less

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Xue, Teng; Lin, Zhaoyang; Chiu, Chin-Yi

Metallic nanoparticles are emerging as an exciting class of heterogeneous catalysts with the potential advantages of exceptional activity, stability, recyclability, and easier separation than homogeneous catalysts. The traditional colloid nanoparticle syntheses usually involve strong surface binding ligands that could passivate the surface active sites and result in poor catalytic activity. The subsequent removal of surface ligands could reactivate the surface but often leads to metal ion leaching and/or severe Ostwald ripening with diminished catalytic activity or poor stability. Molecular ligand engineering represents a powerful strategy for the design of homogeneous molecular catalysts but is insufficiently explored for nanoparticle catalysts tomore » date. We report a systematic investigation on molecular ligand modulation of palladium (Pd) nanoparticle catalysts. Our studies show that β-functional groups of butyric acid ligand on Pd nanoparticles can significantly modulate the catalytic reaction process to modify the catalytic activity and stability for important aerobic reactions. With a β-hydroxybutyric acid ligand, the Pd nanoparticle catalysts exhibit exceptional catalytic activity and stability with an unsaturated turnover number (TON) >3000 for dehydrogenative oxidation of cyclohexenone to phenol, greatly exceeding that of homogeneous Pd(II) catalysts (TON, ~30). This study presents a systematic investigation of molecular ligand modulation of nanoparticle catalysts and could open up a new pathway toward the design and construction of highly efficient and robust heterogeneous catalysts through molecular ligand engineering.« less

Optical and dielectric properties of NiFe2O4 nanoparticles under different synthesized temperature

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Parishani, Marziye; Nadafan, Marzieh; Dehghani, Zahra; Malekfar, Rasoul; Khorrami, G. H. H.

In this research, NiFe2O4 nanoparticles was prepared via the simple sol-gel route, using different sintering temperature. This nanoparticle was characterized via X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and FTIR spectra. The XRD patterns show by increasing the synthesized temperature, the intensity, and broadening of peaks are decreased so the results are more crystallization and raising the size of nanoparticles. The size distribution in the histogram of the NiFe2O4 nanoparticles is 42, 96, and 315 nm at 750 °C, 850 °C, and 950 °C, respectively. The FTIR spectra were evaluated using Kramers-Kronig method. Results approved the existing of certain relations between sintering temperatures and grain size of nanoparticles. By raising the temperature from 750 °C to 950 °C, the grain size was increased from 70 nm to 300 nm and the optical constants of nanoparticles were strongly related to synthesizing temperature as well. Since by increasing temperature, both real/imaginary parts of the refractive index and dielectric function were decreased. Consequently, the transversal (TO) and longitudinal (LO) phonon frequencies are detected. The TO and LO frequencies have shifted to red frequencies by increasing reaction temperature.

Tailor-made Au@Ag core-shell nanoparticle 2D arrays on protein-coated graphene oxide with assembly enhanced antibacterial activity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Huiqiao; Liu, Jinbin; Wu, Xuan; Tong, Zhonghua; Deng, Zhaoxiang

2013-05-01

Water-dispersible two-dimensional (2D) assemblies of Au@Ag core-shell nanoparticles are obtained through a highly selective electroless silver deposition on pre-assembled gold nanoparticles on bovine serum albumin (BSA)-coated graphene oxide (BSA-GO). While neither BSA-GO nor AuNP-decorated BSA-GO shows any antibacterial ability, the silver-coated GO@Au nanosheets (namely GO@Au@Ag) exhibit an enhanced antibacterial activity against Gram-negative Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria, superior to unassembled Au@Ag nanoparticles and even ionic Ag. Such an improvement may be attributed to the increased local concentration of silver nanoparticles around a bacterium and a polyvalent interaction with the bacterial surface. In addition, the colloidal stability of this novel nano-antimicrobial against the formation of random nanoparticle aggregates guarantees a minimized activity loss of the Au@Ag nanoparticles. The antibacterial efficacy of GO@Au@Ag is less sensitive to the existence of Cl-, in comparison with silver ions, providing another advantage for wound dressing applications. Our research unambiguously reveals a strong and very specific interaction between the GO@Au@Ag nanoassembly and E. coli, which could be an important clue toward a rational design, synthesis and assembly of innovative and highly active antibacterial nanomaterials.

Succinate Functionalization of Hyperbranched Polyglycerol-Coated Magnetic Nanoparticles as a Draw Solute During Forward Osmosis.

PubMed

Yang, Hee-Man; Choi, Hye Min; Jang, Sung-Chan; Han, Myeong Jin; Seo, Bum-Kyoung; Moon, Jei-Kwon; Lee, Kune-Woo

2015-10-01

Hyperbranched polyglycerol-coated magnetic nanoparticles (SHPG-MNPs) were functionalized with succinate groups to form a draw solute for use in a forward osmosis (FO). After the one-step synthesis of hyperbranched polyglycerol-coated magnetic nanoparticles (HPG-MNPs), the polyglycerol groups on the surfaces of the HPG-MNPs were functionalized with succinic anhydride moieties. The resulting SHPG-MNPs showed no change of size and magnetic property compared with HPG-MNPs and displayed excellent dispersibility in water up to the concentration of 400 g/L. SHPG-MNPs solution showed higher osmotic pressure than that of HPG-MNPs solution due to the presence of surface carboxyl groups in SHPG-MNPs and could draw water from a feed solution across an FO membrane without any reverse draw solute leakage during FO process. Moreover, the water flux remained nearly constant over several SHPG-MNP darw solute regeneration cycles applied to the ultrafiltration (UF) process. The SHPG-MNPs demonstrate strong potential for use as a draw solute in FO processes.

Nanoconjugated vancomycin: new opportunities for the development of anti-VRSA agents

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Prasad Chakraborty, Subhankari; Sahu, Sumanta Kumar; Mahapatra, Santanu Kar; Santra, Susmita; Bal, Manjusri; Roy, Somenath; Pramanik, Panchanan

2010-03-01

More than 90% of Staphylococcus strains are resistant to penicillin. In 1961 S. aureus developed resistance to methicillin (MRSA), invalidating almost all antibiotics, including the most potent β-lactams. Vancomycin, a glycopeptide antibiotic, was used for the treatment of MRSA in 1980. Vancomycin inhibits the bio-synthesis of peptidoglycan and the assembly of NAM-NAG-polypeptide into the growing peptidoglycan chain. Vancomycin resistant S. aureus (VRSA) first appeared in the USA in 2002. Folic acid tagged chitosan nanoparticles are used as Trojan horses to deliver vancomycin into bacterial cells. These nanoparticles are biocompatible and biodegradable semisynthetic polymers. These nanosized vehicles enhance the transport of vancomycin across epithelial surfaces and show its efficient drug action, which has been understood from studies of the minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration of nanoparticles of a chitosan derivative loaded with vancomycin. Tolerance values distinctly show that vancomycin loaded into nanoconjugate is very effective and has a strong bactericidal effect on VRSA.

Profound Interfacial Effects in CoFe2O4/Fe3O4 and Fe3O4/CoFe2O4 Core/Shell Nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Polishchuk, Dmytro; Nedelko, Natalia; Solopan, Sergii; Ślawska-Waniewska, Anna; Zamorskyi, Vladyslav; Tovstolytkin, Alexandr; Belous, Anatolii

2018-03-01

Two sets of core/shell magnetic nanoparticles, CoFe2O4/Fe3O4 and Fe3O4/CoFe2O4, with a fixed diameter of the core ( 4.1 and 6.3 nm for the former and latter sets, respectively) and thickness of shells up to 2.5 nm were synthesized from metal chlorides in a diethylene glycol solution. The nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and magnetic measurements. The analysis of the results of magnetic measurements shows that coating of magnetic nanoparticles with the shells results in two simultaneous effects: first, it modifies the parameters of the core-shell interface, and second, it makes the particles acquire combined features of the core and the shell. The first effect becomes especially prominent when the parameters of core and shell strongly differ from each other. The results obtained are useful for optimizing and tailoring the parameters of core/shell spinel ferrite magnetic nanoparticles for their use in various technological and biomedical applications.

Novel morphology change of Au-Methotrexate conjugates: From nanochains to discrete nanoparticles.

PubMed

Wang, Wei-Yuan; Zhao, Xiu-Fen; Ju, Xiao-Han; Wang, Yu; Wang, Lin; Li, Shu-Ping; Li, Xiao-Dong

2016-12-30

A novel morphology change of Au-methotrexate (Au-MTX) conjugates that could transform from nanochains to discrete nanoparticles was achieved by a simple, one-pot, and hydrothermal growth method. Herein, MTX was used efficiently as a complex-forming agent, reducing agent, capping agent, and importantly a targeting anticancer drug. The formation mechanism suggested a similarity with the molecular imprinting technology. The Au-MTX complex induced the MTX molecules to selectively adsorb on different crystal facets of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and then formed gold nanospheres. Moreover, the abundantly binding MTX molecules promoted directional alignment of these gold nanospheres to further form nanochains. More interestingly, the linear structures gradually changed into discrete nanoparticles by adding different amount of ethylene diamine tetra (methylene phosphonic acid) (EDTMPA) into the initial reaction solution, which likely arose from the strong electrostatic effect of the negatively charged phosphonic acid groups. Compared with the as-prepared nanochains, the resultant discrete nanoparticles showed almost equal drug loading capacity but with higher drug release control, colloidal stability, and in vitro anticancer activity. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effect of AlCl3 concentration on nanoparticle removal by coagulation.

PubMed

Zhang, Lizhu; Mao, Jingchun; Zhao, Qing; He, Shaobo; Ma, Jun

2015-12-01

In recent years, engineered nanoparticles, as a new group of contaminants emerging in natural water, have been given more attention. In order to understand the behavior of nanoparticles in the conventional water treatment process, three kinds of nanoparticle suspensions, namely multi-walled carbon nanotube-humic acid (MWCNT-HA), multi-walled carbon nanotube-N,N-dimethylformamide (MWCNT-DMF) and nanoTiO2-humic acid (TiO2-HA) were employed to investigate their coagulation removal efficiencies with varying aluminum chloride (AlCl3) concentrations. Results showed that nanoparticle removal rate curves had a reverse "U" shape with increasing concentration of aluminum ion (Al(3+)). More than 90% of nanoparticles could be effectively removed by an appropriate Al(3+) concentration. At higher Al(3+) concentration, nanoparticles would be restabilized. The hydrodynamic particle size of nanoparticles was found to be the crucial factor influencing the effective concentration range (ECR) of Al(3+) for nanoparticle removal. The ECR of Al(3+) followed the order MWCNT-DMF>MWCNT-HA>TiO2-HA, which is the reverse of the nanoparticle size trend. At a given concentration, smaller nanoparticles carry more surface charges, and thus consume more coagulants for neutralization. Therefore, over-saturation occurred at relatively higher Al(3+) concentration and a wider ECR was obtained. The ECR became broader with increasing pH because of the smaller hydrodynamic particle size of nanoparticles at higher pH values. A high ionic strength of NaCl can also widen the ECR due to its strong potential to compress the electric double layer. It was concluded that it is important to adjust the dose of Al(3+) in the ECR for nanoparticle removal in water treatment. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Calcium-silicate mesoporous nanoparticles loaded with chlorhexidine for both anti- Enterococcus faecalis and mineralization properties.

PubMed

Fan, Wei; Li, Yanyun; Sun, Qing; Ma, Tengjiao; Fan, Bing

2016-10-21

In infected periapical tissues, Enterococcus faecalis is one of the most common dominant bacteria. Chlorhexidine has been proved to show strong antibacterial ability against E. faecalis but is ineffective in promoting mineralization for tissues around root apex. Mesoporous calcium-silicate nanoparticles are newly synthesized biomaterials with excellent ability to promote mineralization and carry-release bioactive molecules in a controlled manner. In this study, mesoporous calcium-silicate nanoparticles were functionalized with chlorhexidine and their releasing profile, antibacterial ability, effect on cell proliferation and in vitro mineralization property were evaluated. The chlorhexidine was successfully incorporated into mesoporous calcium-silicate nanoparticles by a mixing-coupling method. The new material could release chlorhexidine as well as Ca 2+ and SiO 3 2- in a sustained manner with an alkaline pH value under different conditions. The antimicrobial ability against planktonic E. faecalis was dramatically improved after chlorhexidine incorporation. The nanoparticles with chlorhexidine showed no negative effect on cell proliferation with low concentrations. On dentin slices, the new synthesized material demonstrated a similar inhibitory effect on E. faecalis as the chlorhexidine. After being immersed in SBF for 9 days, numerous apatite crystals could be observed on surfaces of the material tablets. Mesoporous calcium-silicate nanoparticles loaded with chlorhexidine exhibited release of ions and chlorhexidine, low cytotoxicity, excellent antibacterial ability and in vitro mineralization. This material could be developed into a new effective intra-canal medication in dentistry or a new bone defect filling material for infected bone defects.

Magneto-optic evaluation of antiferromagnetic α-Fe2O3 nanoparticles coated on a quartz substrate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Balasubramanian, Srinath; Panmand, Rajendra; Kumar, Ganapathy; Mahajan, Satish M.; Kale, Bharat B.

2016-03-01

This paper presents a prima facie study of the magneto-optic response of antiferromagnetic α-Fe2O3 nanoparticles coated on a quartz substrate investigated by MOKE. The concentrations of the iron oxide nanoparticles in the films were varied from 8.6% to 21.5% and showed a linear increase in film thicknesses. As the concentration of the iron oxide nanoparticles were increased, the samples changed from a net-like morphology to a crystalline morphology. Magnetization reversals in the lower concentration samples were asymmetric with the reversals for the ascending and descending branch of the hysteresis loop occurring on the same side. The asymmetry in the magnetization reversal was attributed to the angle between the antiferromagnetic easy axis and the external magnetic field. With increase in concentration, an improvement in the magneto-optic response was observed with the magnetization reversal occurring via coherent rotation for both ascending and descending branches of the hysteresis loop. The changes in the magneto-optic behavior for the samples with higher concentrations is attributed to the strong exchange interactions and changes in the shape of the nanoparticles. Sensitivity studies performed on the samples showed an increased magneto-optic sensitivity to changes in magnetic field for samples of higher concentration. The high sensitivity of these samples could be exploited in magneto-optic sensors. Nanoparticles on a quartz substrate could find applications in bio-medicine due to their bio-compatibility.

Structural and magnetic characterization of La{sub 0.8}Sr{sub 0.2}MnO{sub 3} nanoparticles prepared via a facile microwave-assisted method

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Moradi, J., E-mail: j_moradi@yahoo.com; Ghazi, M.E.; Ehsani, M.H., E-mail: mhe_ehsani@yahoo.com

2014-07-01

Nanoparticles of La{sub 0.8}Sr{sub 0.2}MnO{sub 3} (LSMO) with different particle sizes are synthesized by a very fast, inexpensive, reproducible, and environmentally friendly method: the microwave irradiation of the corresponding mixture of nitrates. The structural and magnetic properties of the samples are investigated by the X-Ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infra-red (FT-IR) spectroscopy, field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and magnetic (DC magnetization and AC susceptibility) measurements. The XRD study coupled with the Rietveld refinement show that all samples crystallize in a rhombohedral structure with the space group of R−3C. The FT-IR spectroscopy and FE-SEM images indicate formationmore » of the perovskite structure of LSMO. The DC magnetization measurements confirm the decrease in the particle size effects on the magnetic properties, e.g. reduction in the ferromagnetic (FM) moment and increase in the surface spin disorder. Magnetic dynamics of the samples studied by AC magnetic susceptibility shows that the magnetic behavior of the nanometer-sized samples is well-described by the Vogel-Fulcher and critical slowing down laws. Strong interaction between magnetic nanoparticles of LSMO was detected by fitting the experimental data with the mentioned models. - Graphical abstract: Temperature dependence of the magnetization M(T) was measured in the zero-field-cooling (ZFC) and field-cooling (FC) modes at the applied magnetic field of 100 Oe for the La{sub 0.8}Sr{sub 0.2}MnO{sub 3} with different size prepared via a facile microwave-assisted method. - Highlights: • Nanoparticles of La{sub 0.8}Sr{sub 0.2}MnO{sub 3} were synthesized by the microwave irradiation process. • The structural studies show that all samples crystallize in a rhombohedral structure with space group of R−3C. • The DC magnetic studies confirm tuning of the magnetic properties due to the particle size effects. • Magnetic dynamic studied by AC magnetic susceptibility indicate strong interaction between magnetic nanoparticles.« less

Improving of enzyme immunoassay for detection and quantification of the target molecules using silver nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Syrvatka, Vasyl J.; Slyvchuk, Yurij I.; Rozgoni, Ivan I.; Gevkan, Ivan I.; Overchuk, Marta O.

2014-02-01

Modern routine enzyme immunoassays for detection and quantification of biomolecules have several disadvantages such as high cost, insufficient sensitivity, complexity and long-term execution. The surface plasmon resonance of silver nanoparticles gives reasons of creating new in the basis of simple, highly sensitive and low cost colorimetric assays that can be applied to the detection of small molecules, DNA, proteins and pollutants. The main aim of the study was the improving of enzyme immunoassay for detection and quantification of the target molecules using silver nanoparticles. For this purpose we developed method for synthesis of silver nanoparticles with hyaluronic acid and studied possibility of use these nanoparticles in direct determination of target molecules concentration (in particular proteins) and for improving of enzyme immunoassay. As model we used conventional enzyme immunoassays for determination of progesterone and estradiol concentration. We obtained the possibility to produce silver nanoparticles with hyaluronan homogeneous in size between 10 and 12 nm, soluble and stable in water during long term of storage using modified procedure of silver nanoparticles synthesis. New method allows to obtain silver nanoparticles with strong optical properties at the higher concentrations - 60-90 μg/ml with the peak of absorbance at the wavelength 400 nm. Therefore surface plasmon resonance of silver nanoparticles with hyaluronan and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy provide an opportunity for rapid determination of target molecules concentration (especial protein). We used silver nanoparticles as enzyme carriers and signal enhancers. Our preliminary data show that silver nanoparticles increased absorbance of samples that allows improving upper limit of determination of estradiol and progesterone concentration.

Impact of protein modification on the protein corona on nanoparticles and nanoparticle-cell interactions.

PubMed

Treuel, Lennart; Brandholt, Stefan; Maffre, Pauline; Wiegele, Sarah; Shang, Li; Nienhaus, G Ulrich

2014-01-28

Recent studies have firmly established that cellular uptake of nanoparticles is strongly affected by the presence and the physicochemical properties of a protein adsorption layer around these nanoparticles. Here, we have modified human serum albumin (HSA), a serum protein often used in model studies of protein adsorption onto nanoparticles, to alter its surface charge distribution and investigated the consequences for protein corona formation around small (radius ∼5 nm), dihydrolipoic acid-coated quantum dots (DHLA-QDs) by using fluorescence correlation spectroscopy. HSA modified by succinic anhydride (HSAsuc) to generate additional carboxyl groups on the protein surface showed a 3-fold decreased binding affinity toward the nanoparticles. A 1000-fold enhanced affinity was observed for HSA modified by ethylenediamine (HSAam) to increase the number of amino functions on the protein surface. Remarkably, HSAsuc formed a much thicker protein adsorption layer (8.1 nm) than native HSA (3.3 nm), indicating that it binds in a distinctly different orientation on the nanoparticle, whereas the HSAam corona (4.6 nm) is only slightly thicker. Notably, protein binding to DHLA-QDs was found to be entirely reversible, independent of the modification. We have also measured the extent and kinetics of internalization of these nanoparticles without and with adsorbed native and modified HSA by HeLa cells. Pronounced variations were observed, indicating that even small physicochemical changes of the protein corona may affect biological responses.

Heat transfer from nanoparticles: a corresponding state analysis.

PubMed

Merabia, Samy; Shenogin, Sergei; Joly, Laurent; Keblinski, Pawel; Barrat, Jean-Louis

2009-09-08

In this contribution, we study situations in which nanoparticles in a fluid are strongly heated, generating high heat fluxes. This situation is relevant to experiments in which a fluid is locally heated by using selective absorption of radiation by solid particles. We first study this situation for different types of molecular interactions, using models for gold particles suspended in octane and in water. As already reported in experiments, very high heat fluxes and temperature elevations (leading eventually to particle destruction) can be observed in such situations. We show that a very simple modeling based on Lennard-Jones (LJ) interactions captures the essential features of such experiments and that the results for various liquids can be mapped onto the LJ case, provided a physically justified (corresponding state) choice of parameters is made. Physically, the possibility of sustaining very high heat fluxes is related to the strong curvature of the interface that inhibits the formation of an insulating vapor film.

Anticancer drug-based multifunctional nanogels through self-assembly of dextran-curcumin conjugates toward cancer theranostics.

PubMed

Nagahama, Koji; Sano, Yoshinori; Kumano, Takayuki

2015-06-15

Curcumin (CCM) has been received much attention in cancer theranostics because CCM exhibits both anticancer activity and strong fluorescence available for bio-imaging. However, CCM has never been utilized in clinical mainly due to its extremely low water solubility and its low cellular uptake into cancer cells. We fabricated novel CCM-based biodegradable nanoparticles through self-assembly of amphiphilic dextran-CCM conjugates. Significantly high CCM loading contents in the nanoparticles and the high water solubility were achieved. Importantly, the dextran-CCMs nanoparticles were effectively delivered into HeLa cells and exhibited strong fluorescence available for live-cell imaging, although the nanoparticles were not delivered into normal cells. Thus, the dextran-CCMs nanoparticles could be a promising for creation of novel CCM-based cancer theranostics with high efficacy. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Development of a novel myconanomining approach for the recovery of agriculturally important elements from jarosite waste.

PubMed

Bedi, Ankita; Singh, Braj Raj; Deshmukh, Sunil K; Aggarwal, Nisha; Barrow, Colin J; Adholeya, Alok

2018-05-01

In this study, an ecofriendly and economically viable waste management approach have been attempted towards the biosynthesis of agriculturally important nanoparticles from jarosite waste. Aspergillus terreus strain J4 isolated from jarosite (waste from Debari Zinc Smelter, Udaipur, India), showed good leaching efficiency along with nanoparticles (NPs) formation under ambient conditions. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) confirmed the formation of NPs. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX analysis) showed strong signals for zinc, iron, calcium and magnesium, with these materials being leached out. TEM analysis and high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) showed semi-quasi spherical particles having average size of 10-50nm. Thus, a novel biomethodology was developed using fungal cell-free extract for bioleaching and subsequently nanoconversion of the waste materials into nanostructured form. These biosynthesized nanoparticles were tested for their efficacy on seed emergence activity of wheat (Triticum aestivum) seeds and showed enhanced growth at concentration of 20ppm. These nanomaterials are expected to enhance plant growth properties and being targeted as additives in soil fertility and crop productivity enhancement. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Phase behavior and orientational ordering in block copolymers doped with anisotropic nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Osipov, M. A.; Gorkunov, M. V.; Berezkin, A. V.; Kudryavtsev, Y. V.

2018-04-01

A molecular field theory and coarse-grained computer simulations with dissipative particle dynamics have been used to study the spontaneous orientational ordering of anisotropic nanoparticles in the lamellar and hexagonal phases of diblock copolymers and the effect of nanoparticles on the phase behavior of these systems. Both the molecular theory and computer simulations indicate that strongly anisotropic nanoparticles are ordered orientationally mainly in the boundary region between the domains and the nematic order parameter possesses opposite signs in adjacent domains. The orientational order is induced by the boundary and by the interaction between nanoparticles and the monomer units in different domains. In simulations, sufficiently long and strongly selective nanoparticles are ordered also inside the domains. The nematic order parameter and local concentration profiles of nanoparticles have been calculated numerically using the model of a nanoparticle with two interaction centers and also determined using the results of computer simulations. A number of phase diagrams have been obtained which illustrate the effect of nanoparticle selectivity and molar fraction of the stability ranges of various phases. Different morphologies have been identified by analyzing the static structure factor and a phase diagram has been constructed in coordinates' nanoparticle concentration-copolymer composition. Orientational ordering of even a small fraction of nanoparticles may result in a significant increase of the dielectric anisotropy of a polymer nanocomposite, which is important for various applications.

Dynamics of direct X-ray detection processes in high-Z Bi2O3 nanoparticles-loaded PFO polymer-based diodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ciavatti, A.; Cramer, T.; Carroli, M.; Basiricò, L.; Fuhrer, R.; De Leeuw, D. M.; Fraboni, B.

2017-10-01

Semiconducting polymer based X-ray detectors doped with high-Z nanoparticles hold the promise to combine mechanical flexibility and large-area processing with a high X-ray stopping power and sensitivity. Currently, a lack of understanding of how nanoparticle doping impacts the detector dynamics impedes the optimization of such detectors. Here, we study direct X-ray radiation detectors based on the semiconducting polymer poly(9,9-dioctyfluorene) blended with Bismuth(III)oxide (Bi2O3) nanoparticles (NPs). Pure polymer diodes show a high mobility of 1.3 × 10-5 cm2/V s, a low leakage current of 200 nA/cm2 at -80 V, and a high rectifying factor up to 3 × 105 that allow us to compare the X-ray response of a polymer detector in charge-injection conditions (forward bias) and in charge-collection conditions (reverse bias), together with the impact of NP-loading in the two operation regimes. When operated in reverse bias, the detectors reach the state of the art sensitivity of 24 μC/Gy cm2, providing a fast photoresponse. In forward operation, a slower detection dynamics but improved sensitivity (up to 450 ± 150 nC/Gy) due to conductive gain is observed. High-Z NP doping increases the X-ray absorption, but higher NP loadings lead to a strong reduction of charge-carrier injection and transport due to a strong impact on the semiconductor morphology. Finally, the time response of optimized detectors showed a cut-off frequency up to 200 Hz. Taking advantage of such a fast dynamic response, we demonstrate an X-ray based velocity tracking system.

Crystal structures and magnetic properties of polyethylene glycol (PEG-4000) and silica-encapsulated nickel ferrite (NiFe{sub 2}O{sub 4}) nanoparticles

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Shofiah, Siti, E-mail: esuharyadi@ugm.ac.id; Muflihatun,; Suharyadi, Edi

2016-04-19

Crystal structures and magnetic properties of polyethylene glycol (PEG-4000) and silica encapsulated nickel ferrite (NiFe{sub 2}O{sub 4}) nanoparticles comparable sizes have been studied in detail. NiFe{sub 2}O{sub 4} were prepared by co-precipitation methods. Crystalline size is 4.8 ± 0.2 nm became 1.6 ± 0.1 nm and 10.6 ± 0.3 nm after encapsulated PEG-4000 and silica, respectively. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed that encapsulated PEG-4000 and silica decreased agglomeration, controlled shape of nanoparticles more spherical and dispersed. Coercivity of NiFe{sub 2}O{sub 4} was 46.2 Oe and then increased after encapsulated PEG-4000 to 47.8 Oe can be related to the multi-domains of NiFe{sub 2}O{sub 4}more » as influence the crystalline size was decreased. Meanwhile, after encapsulated silica, coercivity of NiFe{sub 2}O{sub 4} became 93 Oe as influence the crystalline size was increased at single-domains due to its strong shape anisotropy. Magnetization value decreased from 5.7 emu/g to 5.3 emu/g and 3.6 emu/g after encapsulated PEG-4000 and silica, respectively. The remanent magnetization showed decreasing when saturation magnetization decreased, and conversely. However, it also depends on presence of α-Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3} phases and their material non magnetic of encapsulating. Based on the result, The magnetic properties exhibit a strong dependence on the crystalline size as influence PEG-4000 and silica encapsulated NiFe{sub 2}O{sub 4} nanoparticles.« less

Europium-doped gadolinium sulfide nanoparticles as a dual-mode imaging agent for T1-weighted MR and photoluminescence imaging.

PubMed

Jung, Jongjin; Kim, Mi Ae; Cho, Jee-Hyun; Lee, Seung Jae; Yang, Ilseung; Cho, Janggeun; Kim, Seong Keun; Lee, Chulhyun; Park, Joung Kyu

2012-08-01

We present a facile synthesis of europium-doped gadolinium sulfide (GdS:Eu(3+)) opto-magnetic nanoparticles (NPs) via sonochemistry. Their photoluminescence and strong paramagnetic properties enable these NPs to be utilized as an in vitro cell imaging and in vivo T(1)-weighted MR imaging probe. The GdS:Eu(3+) NPs have a prominent longitudinal (r(1)) relaxivity value, which is a critical parameter for T(1)-weighted MR imaging. Here, we showed not only their strong positive contrast effect to blood vessels and organs of mice, but also blood half-life and biodistribution including clearance from organs, in order to assess the GdS:Eu(3+) NPs as a competent nanocrystal-based T(1) contrast agent. We further showed confocal images of breast cancer cells containing GdS:Eu(3+) NPs to evaluate as a photoluminescence probe. Dual-mode imaging capability obtained from the GdS:Eu(3+) NPs will allow target-oriented cellular imaging as well as the resulting disease-specific MR imaging. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Hybrid plasmonic nanodevices: Switching mechanism for the nonlinear emission

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bragas, Andrea V.; Singh, Mahi R.

2014-03-31

Control of the light emission at the nanoscale is of central interest in nanophotonics due to the many applications in very different fields, ranging from quantum information to biophysics. Resonant excitation of surface plasmon polaritons in metal nanoparticles create nanostructured and enhanced light fields around those structures, which produce their strong interaction in a hybrid nanodevice with other plasmonic or non-plasmonic objects. This interaction may in turn also modulate the far field with important consequences in the applications. We show in this paper that the nonlinear emission from semiconductor quantum dots is strongly affected by the close presence of metalmore » nanoparticles, which are resonantly excited. Using a pulsed laser, optical second harmonic is generated in the quantum dot, and it is highly enhanced when the laser is tuned around the nanoparticle plasmon resonance. Even more interesting is the demonstration of a switching mechanism, controlled by an external continuous-wave field, which can enhance or extinguish the SH signal, even when the pulsed laser is always on. Experimental observations are in excellent agreement with the theoretical calculations, based on the dipole-dipole near-field coupling of the objects forming the hybrid system.« less

Ultrasensitive quantum dot fluorescence quenching assay for selective detection of mercury ions in drinking water.

PubMed

Ke, Jun; Li, Xinyong; Zhao, Qidong; Hou, Yang; Chen, Junhong

2014-07-09

Mercury is one of the most acutely toxic substances at trace level to human health and living thing. Developing a rapid, cheap and water soluble metal sensor for detecting mercury ions at ppb level remains a challenge. Herein, a metal sensor consisting of MPA coated Mn doped ZnSe/ZnS colloidal nanoparticles was utilized to ultrasensitively and selectively detect Hg(2+) ions with a low detection limit (0.1 nM) over a dynamic range from 0 to 20 nM. According to strong interaction between thiol(s) and mercury ions, mercaptopropionic acid (MPA) was used as a highly unique acceptor for mercury ions in the as-obtained ultrasensitive sensor. In the presence of mercury ions, colloidal nanoparticles rapidly agglomerated due to changes of surface chemical properties, which results in severe quenching of fluorescent intensity. Meanwhile, we find that the original ligands are separated from the surface of colloidal nanoparticles involving strongly chelation between mercury ion and thiol(s) proved by controlled IR analysis. The result shows that the QD-based metal ions sensor possesses satisfactory precision, high sensitivity and selectivity, and could be applied for the quantification analysis of real samples.

Ultrasensitive Quantum Dot Fluorescence quenching Assay for Selective Detection of Mercury Ions in Drinking Water

PubMed Central

Ke, Jun; Li, Xinyong; Zhao, Qidong; Hou, Yang; Chen, Junhong

2014-01-01

Mercury is one of the most acutely toxic substances at trace level to human health and living thing. Developing a rapid, cheap and water soluble metal sensor for detecting mercury ions at ppb level remains a challenge. Herein, a metal sensor consisting of MPA coated Mn doped ZnSe/ZnS colloidal nanoparticles was utilized to ultrasensitively and selectively detect Hg2+ ions with a low detection limit (0.1 nM) over a dynamic range from 0 to 20 nM. According to strong interaction between thiol(s) and mercury ions, mercaptopropionic acid (MPA) was used as a highly unique acceptor for mercury ions in the as-obtained ultrasensitive sensor. In the presence of mercury ions, colloidal nanoparticles rapidly agglomerated due to changes of surface chemical properties, which results in severe quenching of fluorescent intensity. Meanwhile, we find that the original ligands are separated from the surface of colloidal nanoparticles involving strongly chelation between mercury ion and thiol(s) proved by controlled IR analysis. The result shows that the QD-based metal ions sensor possesses satisfactory precision, high sensitivity and selectivity, and could be applied for the quantification analysis of real samples. PMID:25005836

The electrokinetic characterization of gold nanoparticles, functionalized with cationic functional groups, and its' interaction with DNA.

PubMed

Lazarus, Geraldine Genevive; Revaprasadu, Neerish; López-Viota, Julián; Singh, Moganavelli

2014-09-01

Gold nanoparticles have attracted strong biomedical interest for drug delivery due to their low toxic nature, surface plasmon resonance and capability of increasing the stability of the payload. However, gene transfection represents another important biological application. Considering that cellular barriers keep enclosed their secret to deliver genes using nanoparticles, an important step can be achieved by studying the functionalization of nanoparticles with DNA. In the present contribution the synthesis of nanoparticles consisting of a gold core coated with one or more layers of amino acid (l-lysine), and cationic polyelectrolytes (poly-ethyleneimine and poly-l-lysine) is reported. All nanoparticles were subjected to dynamic light scattering, electrophoretic mobility measurements, UV-vis optical spectrophotometry analysis and transmission electron microscopy imaging. In addition, the adsorption of DNA plasmid (pSGS) with linear and supercoiled configurations was studied for those gold nanoparticles under the most suitable surface modifications. Preliminary results showed that the gold nanoparticles functionalized with poly-ethyleneimine and poly-l-lysine, respectively, and bound to linear DNA configurations, present in absolute value a higher electrophoretic mobility irrespective of the pH of the media, compared to the supercoiled and nicked configuration. The findings from this study suggest that poly-ethyleneimine and poly-l-lysine functionalized gold nanoparticles are biocompatible and may be promising in the chemical design and future optimization of nanostructures for biomedical applications such as gene and drug delivery. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Facile synthesis and luminescent properties of TiO{sub 2}:Eu{sup 3+} nanorods and spindle-shaped nanoparticles from titanate nanotubes precursors

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Li, Hongbo; Sheng, Ye; Zhao, Huan

2012-12-15

Graphical abstract: This picture illustration for the formation process of TiO{sub 2}:Eu{sup 3+} nanorods and spindle-shaped nanoparticles. Display Omitted Highlights: ► TiO{sub 2}:Eu{sup 3+} nanorods and spindle-shaped nanoparticles were prepared. ► The nanotubes could transform to nanorods and spindle-shaped nanoparticles. ► The luminescence properties are dependent on the increases of the bandgap. -- Abstract: TiO{sub 2}:Eu{sup 3+} nanorods and spindle-shaped nanoparticles have been successfully prepared through simple calcination and hydrothermal process respectively using titanate as the precursors. On the basis of X-ray diffraction results, the as-obtained precursors are titanate (H{sub 2}Ti{sub 2}O{sub 5}·H{sub 2}O), while nanorods and spindle-shaped nanoparticles aremore » pure anatase phase of TiO{sub 2}. TEM and SEM images show that the as-formed precursor could be transformed from nanotubes into nanorods and spindle-shaped nanoparticles by the calcination and hydrothermal process respectively. Under UV light excitation, both the TiO{sub 2}:Eu{sup 3+} nanorods and spindle-shaped nanoparticles exhibit the strong red emission. In addition, the luminescence intensity of TiO{sub 2}:Eu{sup 3+} nanorods is higher than that of TiO{sub 2}:Eu{sup 3+} spindle-shaped nanoparticles due to the increases of the bandgap of the TiO{sub 2} nanorods.« less

Extracellular biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles: effects of shape-directing cetyltrimethylammonium bromide, pH, sunlight and additives.

PubMed

Hussain, Shokit; Akrema; Rahisuddin; Khan, Zaheer

2014-05-01

The work reported in this paper describes the preparation, morphology, stability and sensitivity of Ag-nanoparticles towards sunlight using Allium sativum, garlic extract for the first time. The synthesized silver particles show an intense surface plasmon resonance band in the visible region at 410 nm. The position of the wavelength maxima, blue and red shift, strongly depends on the sunlight and pH. TEM analysis revealed the presence of spherical, different size (from 5.0 to 30 nm) and garlic constituents bio-conjugated, stabilized and/or layered silver nanoparticles. The concentrations of garlic extract, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide, Ag(+) ions and reaction time play vital roles for nucleus formation and the growth processes. Sulfur-containing biomolecules of extract, especially cysteine, are responsible for the reduction of Ag(+) ions into metallic Ag(0). The agglomeration number of the silver nanoparticles (N Ag) and the average number of free electrons per particle (n fe) are calculated and discussed.

Shape-dependent dispersion and alignment of nonaggregating plasmonic gold nanoparticles in lyotropic and thermotropic liquid crystals.

PubMed

Liu, Qingkun; Tang, Jianwei; Zhang, Yuan; Martinez, Angel; Wang, Shaowei; He, Sailing; White, Timothy J; Smalyukh, Ivan I

2014-05-01

We use both lyotropic liquid crystals composed of prolate micelles and thermotropic liquid crystals made of rod-like molecules to uniformly disperse and unidirectionally align relatively large gold nanorods and other complex-shaped nanoparticles at high concentrations. We show that some of these ensuing self-assembled orientationally ordered soft matter systems exhibit polarization-dependent plasmonic properties with strongly pronounced molar extinction exceeding that previously achieved in self-assembled composites. The long-range unidirectional alignment of gold nanorods is mediated mainly by anisotropic surface anchoring interactions at the surfaces of gold nanoparticles. Polarization-sensitive absorption, scattering, and extinction are used to characterize orientations of nanorods and other nanoparticles. The experimentally measured unique optical properties of these composites, which stem from the collective plasmonic effect of the gold nanorods with long-range order in a liquid crystal matrix, are reproduced in computer simulations. A simple phenomenological model based on anisotropic surface interaction explains the alignment of gold nanorods dispersed in liquid crystals and the physical underpinnings behind our observations.

Time dependent rise and decay of photocurrent in zinc oxide nanoparticles in ambient and vacuum medium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

C, Rajkumar; Srivastava, Rajneesh K.

2018-05-01

Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticle has been synthesized by cost effective Co-precipitation method and studied its photo-response activity. The synthesized ZnO nanomaterial was characterized by using various analytical techniques such as x-ray diffraction (XRD), UV–visible spectroscopy, FTIR spectroscopy, photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). From the XRD results, it is confirmed that synthesized ZnO nanomaterial possess hexagonal wurtzite phase structure with an average crystallite size of ∼16–17 nm. The UV-Visible absorption spectrum shows that it has blue shift compared to their bulk counterparts. Photoluminescence spectra of ZnO nanoparticles have a strong violet band at 423 nm and three weak bands at 485 nm (blue), 506 nm (green), and 529 nm (green). The presence of hydroxyl group was confirmed by FTIR. The photo-response analysis was studied by the time-dependent rise and decay photocurrent of ZnO nanoparticle was tested in the air as well as vacuum medium.

Structural and Magnetic Studies of Thermally Treated NiFe2O4 Nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ghosh, Surajit; Patel, Prayas Chandra; Gangopadhyay, Debraj; Sharma, Poornima; Singh, Ranjan K.; Srivastava, P. C.

2017-12-01

The heat treatment of nanoparticles can have a direct effect on their particle sizes, which, in turn, can influence many of their structural and magnetic properties. Here, we report the effect of sintering temperature on the chemically synthesized high-quality NiFe2O4 nanoparticles. The structural studies show the formation of pure NiFe2O4 nanoparticles with the space group Fd{\\bar{3}}m . The inverse spinel structure was also confirmed from the lattice vibrations analyzed from Raman and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectra. The presence of strong exchange interactions was detected from the temperature-dependent magnetization study. Moreover, at higher sintering temperatures, the grain growth due to fusion of several smaller particles by coalescing their surfaces enhances the crystallinity and its magnetocrystalline anisotropy. Coercivity and saturation magnetization were found to depend significantly on the sintering temperature, which was understood in the realm of the formation of single-domain-like structure and change in magnetocrystalline anisotropy at higher sintering temperatures.

Characteristics of colloidal aluminum nanoparticles prepared by nanosecond pulsed laser ablation in deionized water in presence of parallel external electric field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mahdieh, Mohammad Hossein; Mozaffari, Hossein

2017-10-01

In this paper, we investigate experimentally the effect of electric field on the size, optical properties and crystal structure of colloidal nanoparticles (NPs) of aluminum prepared by nanosecond Pulsed Laser Ablation (PLA) in deionized water. The experiments were conducted for two different conditions, with and without the electric field parallel to the laser beam path and the results were compared. To study the influence of electric field, two polished parallel aluminum metals plates perpendicular to laser beam path were used as the electrodes. The NPs were synthesized for target in negative, positive and neutral polarities. The colloidal nanoparticles were characterized using the scanning electron microscopy (SEM), UV-vis absorption spectroscopy and X-ray Diffraction (XRD). The results indicate that initial charge on the target has strong effect on the size properties and concentration of the synthesized nanoparticles. The XRD patterns show that the structure of produced NPs with and without presence of electric field is Boehmite (AlOOH).

Photothermal therapy with immune-adjuvant nanoparticles together with checkpoint blockade for effective cancer immunotherapy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Qian; Xu, Ligeng; Liang, Chao; Wang, Chao; Peng, Rui; Liu, Zhuang

2016-10-01

A therapeutic strategy that can eliminate primary tumours, inhibit metastases, and prevent tumour relapses is developed herein by combining adjuvant nanoparticle-based photothermal therapy with checkpoint-blockade immunotherapy. Indocyanine green (ICG), a photothermal agent, and imiquimod (R837), a Toll-like-receptor-7 agonist, are co-encapsulated by poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA). The formed PLGA-ICG-R837 nanoparticles composed purely by three clinically approved components can be used for near-infrared laser-triggered photothermal ablation of primary tumours, generating tumour-associated antigens, which in the presence of R837-containing nanoparticles as the adjuvant can show vaccine-like functions. In combination with the checkpoint-blockade using anti-cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA4), the generated immunological responses will be able to attack remaining tumour cells in mice, useful in metastasis inhibition, and may potentially be applicable for various types of tumour models. Furthermore, such strategy offers a strong immunological memory effect, which can provide protection against tumour rechallenging post elimination of their initial tumours.

Mitochondrial Gene Therapy: Advances in Mitochondrial Gene Cloning, Plasmid Production, and Nanosystems Targeted to Mitochondria.

PubMed

Coutinho, Eduarda; Batista, Cátia; Sousa, Fani; Queiroz, João; Costa, Diana

2017-03-06

Mitochondrial gene therapy seems to be a valuable and promising strategy to treat mitochondrial disorders. The use of a therapeutic vector based on mitochondrial DNA, along with its affinity to the site of mitochondria, can be considered a powerful tool in the reestablishment of normal mitochondrial function. In line with this and for the first time, we successfully cloned the mitochondrial gene ND1 that was stably maintained in multicopy pCAG-GFP plasmid, which is used to transform E. coli. This mitochondrial-gene-based plasmid was encapsulated into nanoparticles. Furthermore, the functionalization of nanoparticles with polymers, such as cellulose or gelatin, enhances their overall properties and performance for gene therapy. The fluorescence arising from rhodamine nanoparticles in mitochondria and a fluorescence microscopy study show pCAG-GFP-ND1-based nanoparticles' cell internalization and mitochondria targeting. The quantification of GFP expression strongly supports this finding. This work highlights the viability of gene therapy based on mitochondrial DNA instigating further in vitro research and clinical translation.

Real-space mapping of the strongly coupled plasmons of nanoparticle dimers.

PubMed

Kim, Deok-Soo; Heo, Jinhwa; Ahn, Sung-Hyun; Han, Sang Woo; Yun, Wan Soo; Kim, Zee Hwan

2009-10-01

We carried out the near-field optical imaging of isolated and dimerized gold nanocubes to directly investigate the strong coupling between two adjacent nanoparticles. The high-resolution (approximately 10 nm) local field maps (intensities and phases) of self-assembled nanocube dimers reveal antisymmetric plasmon modes that are starkly different from a simple superposition of two monomeric dipole plasmons, which is fully reproduced by the electrodynamics simulations. The result decisively proves that, for the closely spaced pair of nanoparticles (interparticle distance/particle size approximately 0.04), the strong Coulombic attraction between the charges at the interparticle gap dominates over the intraparticle charge oscillations, resulting in a hybridized dimer plasmon mode that is qualitatively different from those expected from a simple dipole-dipole coupling model.

Size-dependent magnetic and inductive heating properties of Fe3O4 nanoparticles: scaling laws across the superparamagnetic size.

PubMed

Mohapatra, Jeotikanta; Zeng, Fanhao; Elkins, Kevin; Xing, Meiying; Ghimire, Madhav; Yoon, Sunghyun; Mishra, Sanjay R; Liu, J Ping

2018-05-09

An efficient heat activating mediator with an enhanced specific absorption rate (SAR) value is attained via control of the iron oxide (Fe3O4) nanoparticle size from 3 to 32 nm. Monodispersed Fe3O4 nanoparticles are synthesized via a seed-less thermolysis technique using oleylamine and oleic acid as the multifunctionalizing agents (surfactant, solvent and reducing agent). The inductive heating properties as a function of particle size reveal a strong increase in the SAR values with increasing particle size up to 28 nm. In particular, the SAR values of ferromagnetic nanoparticles (>16 nm) are strongly enhanced with the increase of ac magnetic field amplitude than that for the superparamagnetic (3-16 nm) nanoparticles. The enhanced SAR values in the ferromagnetic regime are attributed to the synergistic contribution from the hysteresis and susceptibility loss. Specifically, the 28 nm Fe3O4 nanoparticles exhibit an enhanced SAR value of 801 W g-1 which is nearly an order higher than that of the commercially available nanoparticles.

Nanoparticle Immobilization for Controllable Experiments in Liquid-Cell Transmission Electron Microscopy.

PubMed

Robertson, Alex W; Zhu, Guomin; Mehdi, B Layla; Jacobs, Robert M J; De Yoreo, James; Browning, Nigel D

2018-06-22

We demonstrate that silanization can control the adhesion of nanostructures to the SiN windows compatible with liquid-cell transmission electron microscopy (LC-TEM). Formation of an (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTES) self-assembled monolayer on a SiN window, producing a surface decorated with amino groups, permits strong adhesion of Au nanoparticles to the window. Many of these nanoparticles remain static, undergoing minimal translation or rotation during LC-TEM up to high electron beam current densities due to the strong interaction between the APTES amino group and Au. We then use this technique to perform a direct comparative LC-TEM study on the behavior of ligand and nonligand-coated Au nanoparticles in a Au growth solution. While the ligand coated nanoparticles remain consistent even under high electron beam current densities, the naked nanoparticles acted as sites for secondary Au nucleation. These nucleated particles decorated the parent nanoparticle surface, forming consecutive monolayer assemblies of ∼2 nm diameter nanoparticles, which sinter into the parent particle when the electron beam was shut off. This method for facile immobilization of nanostructures for LC-TEM study will permit more sophisticated and controlled in situ experiments into the properties of solid-liquid interfaces in the future.

Diffusion of Sticky Nanoparticles in a Polymer Melt: Crossover from Suppressed to Enhanced Transport

DOE PAGES

Carroll, Bobby; Bocharova, Vera; Carrillo, Jan-Michael Y.; ...

2018-03-09

The self-diffusion of a single large particle in a fluid is usually described by the classic Stokes–Einstein (SE) hydrodynamic relation. However, there are many fluids where the SE prediction for nanoparticles diffusion fails. These systems include diffusion of nanoparticles in porous media, in entangled and unentangled polymer melts and solutions, and protein diffusion in biological environments. A fundamental understanding of the microscopic parameters that govern nanoparticle diffusion is relevant to a wide range of applications. Here in this work, we present experimental measurements of the tracer diffusion coefficient of small and large nanoparticles that experience strong attractions with unentangled andmore » entangled polymer melt matrices. For the small nanoparticle system, a crossover from suppressed to enhanced diffusion is observed with increasing polymer molecular weight. We interpret these observations based on our theoretical and simulation insights of the preceding article (paper 1) as a result of a crossover from an effective hydrodynamic core–shell to a nonhydrodynamic vehicle mechanism of transport, with the latter strongly dependent on polymer–nanoparticle desorption time. In conclusion, a general zeroth-order qualitative picture for small sticky nanoparticle diffusion in polymer melts is proposed.« less

Diffusion of Sticky Nanoparticles in a Polymer Melt: Crossover from Suppressed to Enhanced Transport

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Carroll, Bobby; Bocharova, Vera; Carrillo, Jan-Michael Y.

The self-diffusion of a single large particle in a fluid is usually described by the classic Stokes–Einstein (SE) hydrodynamic relation. However, there are many fluids where the SE prediction for nanoparticles diffusion fails. These systems include diffusion of nanoparticles in porous media, in entangled and unentangled polymer melts and solutions, and protein diffusion in biological environments. A fundamental understanding of the microscopic parameters that govern nanoparticle diffusion is relevant to a wide range of applications. Here in this work, we present experimental measurements of the tracer diffusion coefficient of small and large nanoparticles that experience strong attractions with unentangled andmore » entangled polymer melt matrices. For the small nanoparticle system, a crossover from suppressed to enhanced diffusion is observed with increasing polymer molecular weight. We interpret these observations based on our theoretical and simulation insights of the preceding article (paper 1) as a result of a crossover from an effective hydrodynamic core–shell to a nonhydrodynamic vehicle mechanism of transport, with the latter strongly dependent on polymer–nanoparticle desorption time. In conclusion, a general zeroth-order qualitative picture for small sticky nanoparticle diffusion in polymer melts is proposed.« less

Green synthesis and antibacterial effects of aqueous colloidal solutions of silver nanoparticles using camomile terpenoids as a combined reducing and capping agent.

PubMed

Parlinska-Wojtan, Magdalena; Kus-Liskiewicz, Małgorzata; Depciuch, Joanna; Sadik, Omowunmi

2016-08-01

Green synthesis method using camomile extract was applied to synthesize silver nanoparticles to tune their antibacterial properties merging the synergistic effect of camomile and Ag. Scanning transmission electron microscopy revealed that camomile extract (CE) consisted of porous globular nanometer sized structures, which were a perfect support for Ag nanoparticles. The Ag nanoparticles synthesized with the camomile extract (AgNPs/CE) of 7 nm average sizes, were uniformly distributed on the CE support, contrary to the pure Ag nanoparticles synthesized with glucose (AgNPs/G), which were over 50 nm in diameter and strongly agglomerated. The energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy chemical analysis showed that camomile terpenoids act as a capping and reducing agent being adsorbed on the surface of AgNPs/CE enabling their reduction from Ag(+) and preventing them from agglomeration. Fourier transform infrared and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy measurements confirmed these findings, as the spectra of AgNPs/CE, compared to pure CE, did not contain the 1109 cm(-1) band, corresponding to -C-O groups of terpenoids and the peaks at 280 and 320 nm, respectively. Antibacterial tests using four bacteria strains showed that the AgNPs/CE performed five times better compared to CE AgNPs/G samples, reducing totally all the bacteria in 2 h.

Influence of Surfactant and Lipid Type on the Physicochemical Properties and Biocompatibility of Solid Lipid Nanoparticles

PubMed Central

Pizzol, Carine Dal; Filippin-Monteiro, Fabíola Branco; Restrepo, Jelver Alexander Sierra; Pittella, Frederico; Silva, Adny Henrique; de Souza, Paula Alves; de Campos, Angela Machado; Creczynski-Pasa, Tânia Beatriz

2014-01-01

Nine types of solid lipid nanoparticle (SLN) formulations were produced using tripalmitin (TPM), glyceryl monostearate (GM) or stearic acid (SA), stabilized with lecithin S75 and polysorbate 80. Formulations were prepared presenting PI values within 0.25 to 0.30, and the physicochemical properties, stability upon storage and biocompatibility were evaluated. The average particle size ranged from 116 to 306 nm, with a negative surface charge around −11 mV. SLN presented good stability up to 60 days. The SLN manufactured using SA could not be measured by DLS due to the reflective feature of this formulation. However, TEM images revealed that SA nanoparticles presented square/rod shapes with an approximate size of 100 nm. Regarding biocompatibility aspects, SA nanoparticles showed toxicity in fibroblasts, causing cell death, and produced high hemolytic rates, indicating toxicity to red blood cells. This finding might be related to lipid type, as well as, the shape of the nanoparticles. No morphological alterations and hemolytic effects were observed in cells incubated with SLN containing TPM and GM. The SLN containing TPM and GM showed long-term stability, suggesting good shelf-life. The results indicate high toxicity of SLN prepared with SA, and strongly suggest that the components of the formulation should be analyzed in combination rather than separately to avoid misinterpretation of the results. PMID:25141003

Tackling the growing threat of dengue: Phyllanthus niruri-mediated synthesis of silver nanoparticles and their mosquitocidal properties against the dengue vector Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae).

PubMed

Suresh, Udaiyan; Murugan, Kadarkarai; Benelli, Giovanni; Nicoletti, Marcello; Barnard, Donald R; Panneerselvam, Chellasamy; Kumar, Palanisamy Mahesh; Subramaniam, Jayapal; Dinesh, Devakumar; Chandramohan, Balamurugan

2015-04-01

Mosquitoes are vectors of devastating pathogens and parasites, causing millions of deaths every year. Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral infection found in tropical and subtropical regions around the world. Recently, transmission has strongly increased in urban and semiurban areas, becoming a major international public health concern. Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) is the primary vector of dengue. The use of synthetic insecticides to control Aedes mosquitoes lead to high operational costs and adverse nontarget effects. In this scenario, eco-friendly control tools are a priority. We proposed a novel method to synthesize silver nanoparticles using the aqueous leaf extract of Phyllanthus niruri, a cheap and nontoxic material. The UV-vis spectrum of the aqueous medium containing silver nanostructures showed a peak at 420 nm corresponding to the surface plasmon resonance band of nanoparticles. SEM analyses of the synthesized nanoparticles showed a mean size of 30-60 nm. EDX spectrum showed the chemical composition of the synthesized nanoparticles. XRD highlighted that the nanoparticles are crystalline in nature with face-centered cubic geometry. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) of nanoparticles exhibited prominent peaks 3,327.63, 2,125.87, 1,637.89, 644.35, 597.41, and 554.63 cm(-1). In laboratory assays, the aqueous extract of P. niruri was toxic against larval instars (I-IV) and pupae of A. aegypti. LC50 was 158.24 ppm (I), 183.20 ppm (II), 210.53 ppm (III), 210.53 ppm (IV), and 358.08 ppm (pupae). P. niruri-synthesized nanoparticles were highly effective against A. aegypti, with LC50 of 3.90 ppm (I), 5.01 ppm (II), 6.2 ppm (III), 8.9 ppm (IV), and 13.04 ppm (pupae). In the field, the application of silver nanoparticles (10 × LC50) lead to A. aegypti larval reduction of 47.6%, 76.7% and 100%, after 24, 48, and 72 h, while the P. niruri extract lead to 39.9%, 69.2 % and 100 % of reduction, respectively. In adulticidal experiments, P. niruri extract and nanoparticles showed LC50 and LC90 of 174.14 and 6.68 ppm and 422.29 and 23.58 ppm, respectively. Overall, this study highlights that the possibility to employ P. niruri leaf extract and green-synthesized silver nanoparticles in mosquito control programs is concrete, since both are effective at lower doses if compared to synthetic products currently marketed, thus they could be an advantageous alternative to build newer and safer tools against dengue vectors.

Sentinel Lymph Node Detection Using Carbon Nanoparticles in Patients with Early Breast Cancer

PubMed Central

Lu, Jianping; Zeng, Yi; Chen, Xia; Yan, Jun

2015-01-01

Purpose Carbon nanoparticles have a strong affinity for the lymphatic system. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of sentinel lymph node biopsy using carbon nanoparticles in early breast cancer and to optimize the application procedure. Methods Firstly, we performed a pilot study to demonstrate the optimized condition using carbon nanoparticles for sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) detection by investigating 36 clinically node negative breast cancer patients. In subsequent prospective study, 83 patients with clinically node negative breast cancer were included to evaluate SLNs using carbon nanoparticles. Another 83 SLNs were detected by using blue dye. SLNs detection parameters were compared between the methods. All patients irrespective of the SLNs status underwent axillary lymph node dissection for verification of axillary node status after the SLN biopsy. Results In pilot study, a 1 ml carbon nanoparticles suspension used 10–15min before surgery was associated with the best detection rate. In subsequent prospective study, with carbon nanoparticles, the identification rate, accuracy, false negative rate was 100%, 96.4%, 11.1%, respectively. The identification rate and accuracy were 88% and 95.5% with 15.8% of false negative rate using blue dye technique. The use of carbon nanoparticles suspension showed significantly superior results in identification rate (p = 0.001) and reduced false-negative results compared with blue dye technique. Conclusion Our study demonstrated feasibility and accuracy of using carbon nanoparticles for SLNs mapping in breast cancer patients. Carbon nanoparticles are useful in SLNs detection in institutions without access to radioisotope. PMID:26296136

Size control and catalytic activity of bio-supported palladium nanoparticles.

PubMed

Søbjerg, Lina Sveidal; Lindhardt, Anders T; Skrydstrup, Troels; Finster, Kai; Meyer, Rikke Louise

2011-07-01

The development of nanoparticles has greatly improved the catalytic properties of metals due to the higher surface to volume ratio of smaller particles. The production of nanoparticles is most commonly based on abiotic processes, but in the search for alternative protocols, bacterial cells have been identified as excellent scaffolds of nanoparticle nucleation, and bacteria have been successfully employed to recover and regenerate platinum group metals from industrial waste. We report on the formation of bio-supported palladium (Pd) nanoparticles on the surface of two bacterial species with distinctly different surfaces: the gram positive Staphylococcus sciuri and the gram negative Cupriavidus necator. We investigated how the type of bacterium and the amount of biomass affected the size and catalytic properties of the nanoparticles formed. By increasing the biomass:Pd ratio, we could produce bio-supported Pd nanoparticles smaller than 10nm in diameter, whereas lower biomass:Pd ratios resulted in particles ranging from few to hundreds of nm. The bio-supported Pd nanoparticle catalytic properties were investigated towards the Suzuki-Miyaura cross coupling reaction and hydrogenation reactions. Surprisingly, the smallest nanoparticles obtained at the highest biomass:Pd ratio showed no reactivity towards the test reactions. The lack of reactivity appears to be caused by thiol groups, which poison the catalyst by binding strongly to Pd. Different treatments intended to liberate particles from the biomass, such as burning or rinsing in acetone, did not re-establish their catalytic activity. Sulphur-free biomaterials should therefore be explored as more suitable scaffolds for Pd(0) nanoparticle formation. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Chloride (Cl-) ion-mediated shape control of palladium nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nalajala, Naresh; Chakraborty, Arup; Bera, Bapi; Neergat, Manoj

2016-02-01

The shape control of Pd nanoparticles is investigated using chloride (Cl-) ions as capping agents in an aqueous medium in the temperature range of 60-100 °C. With weakly adsorbing and strongly etching Cl- ions, oxygen plays a crucial role in shape control. The experimental factors considered are the concentration of the capping agents, reaction time and reaction atmosphere. Thus, Pd nanoparticles of various shapes with high selectivity can be synthesized. Moreover, the removal of Cl- ions from the nanoparticle surface is easier than that of Br- ions (moderately adsorbing and etching) and I- ions (strongly adsorbing and weakly etching). The cleaned Cl- ion-mediated shape-controlled Pd nanoparticles are electrochemically characterized and the order of the half-wave potential of the oxygen reduction reaction in oxygen-saturated 0.1 M HClO4 solution is of the same order as that observed with single-crystal Pd surfaces.

Evaluation of a novel personal nanoparticle sampler.

PubMed

Zhou, Yue; Irshad, Hammad; Tsai, Chuen-Jinn; Hung, Shao-Ming; Cheng, Yung-Sung

2014-02-01

This work investigated the performance in terms of collection efficiency and aspiration efficiency of a personal sampler capable of collecting ultrafine particles (nanoparticles) in the occupational environment. This sampler consists of a cyclone for respirable particle classification, micro-orifice impactor stages with an acceleration nozzle to achieve nanoparticle classification and a backup filter to collect nanoparticles. Collection efficiencies of the cyclone and impactor stages were determined using monodisperse polystyrene latex and silver particles, respectively. Calibration of the cyclone and impactor stages showed 50% cut-off diameters of 3.95 μm and 94.7 nm meeting the design requirements. Aspiration efficiencies of the sampler were tested in a wind tunnel with wind speeds of 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 m s(-1). The test samplers were mounted on a full size mannequin with three orientations toward the wind direction (0°, 90°, and 180°). Monodisperse oleic acid aerosols tagged with sodium fluorescein in the size range of 2 to 10 μm were used in the test. For particles smaller than 2 μm, the fluorescent polystyrene latex particles were generated by using nebulizers. For comparison of the aspiration efficiency, a NIOSH two-stage personal bioaerosol sampler was also tested. Results showed that the orientation-averaged aspiration efficiency for both samplers was close to the inhalable fraction curve. However, the direction of wind strongly affected the aspiration efficiency. The results also showed that the aspiration efficiency was not affected by the ratio of free-stream velocity to the velocity through the sampler orifice. Our evaluation showed that the current design of the personal sampler met the designed criteria for collecting nanoparticles ≤100 nm in occupational environments.

Synthesis of new liquid crystals embedded gold nanoparticles for photoswitching properties.

PubMed

Rahman, Md Lutfor; Biswas, Tapan Kumar; Sarkar, Shaheen M; Yusoff, Mashitah Mohd; Yuvaraj, A R; Kumar, Sandeep

2016-09-15

A new series of liquid crystals decorated gold nanoparticles is synthesized whose molecular architecture has azobenzenes moieties as the peripheral units connected to gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) via alkyl groups. The morphology and mesomorphic properties were investigated by field emission scanning electron microscope, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry and polarizing optical microscopy. The thiolated ligand molecules (3a-c) showed enantiotropic smectic A phase, whereas gold nanoparticles (5a-c) exhibit nematic and smectic A phase with monotropic nature. HR-TEM measurement showed that the functionalized Au NPs are of the average size of 2nm and they are well dispersed without any aggregation. The trans-form of azo compounds showed a strong band in the UV region at ∼378nm for the π-π(∗) transition, and a weak band in the visible region at ∼472nm due to the n-π(∗) transition. These molecules exhibit attractive photoisomerization behaviour in which trans-cis transition takes about 15s whereas the cis-trans transition requires about 45min for compound 5c. The extent of reversible isomerization did not decay after 10 cycles, which proved that the photo-responsive properties of 5c were stable and repeatable. Therefore, these materials may be suitably exploited in the field of molecular switches and the optical storage devices. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Ion-ion correlation, solvent excluded volume and pH effects on physicochemical properties of spherical oxide nanoparticles.

PubMed

Ovanesyan, Zaven; Aljzmi, Amal; Almusaynid, Manal; Khan, Asrar; Valderrama, Esteban; Nash, Kelly L; Marucho, Marcelo

2016-01-15

One major source of complexity in the implementation of nanoparticles in aqueous electrolytes arises from the strong influence that biological environments has on their physicochemical properties. A key parameter for understanding the molecular mechanisms governing the physicochemical properties of nanoparticles is the formation of the surface charge density. In this article, we present an efficient and accurate approach that combines a recently introduced classical solvation density functional theory for spherical electrical double layers with a surface complexation model to account for ion-ion correlation and excluded volume effects on the surface titration of spherical nanoparticles. We apply the proposed computational approach to account for the charge-regulated mechanisms on the surface chemistry of spherical silica (SiO2) nanoparticles. We analyze the effects of the nanoparticle size, as well as pH level and electrolyte concentration of the aqueous solution on the nanoparticle's surface charge density and Zeta potential. We validate our predictions for 580Å and 200Å nanoparticles immersed in acid, neutral and alkaline mono-valent aqueous electrolyte solutions against experimental data. Our results on mono-valent electrolyte show that the excluded volume and ion-ion correlations contribute significantly to the surface charge density and Zeta potential of the nanoparticle at high electrolyte concentration and pH levels, where the solvent crowding effects and electrostatic screening have shown a profound influence on the protonation/deprotonation reactions at the liquid/solute interface. The success of this approach in describing physicochemical properties of silica nanoparticles supports its broader application to study other spherical metal oxide nanoparticles. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Microneedle-mediated transcutaneous immunization with plasmid DNA coated on cationic PLGA nanoparticles.

PubMed

Kumar, Amit; Wonganan, Piyanuch; Sandoval, Michael A; Li, Xinran; Zhu, Saijie; Cui, Zhengrong

2012-10-28

Previously, it was shown that microneedle-mediated transcutaneous immunization with plasmid DNA can potentially induce a stronger immune response than intramuscular injection of the same plasmid DNA. In the present study, we showed that the immune responses induced by transcutaneous immunization by applying plasmid DNA onto a skin area pretreated with solid microneedles were significantly enhanced by coating the plasmid DNA on the surface of cationic nanoparticles. In addition, the net surface charge of the DNA-coated nanoparticles significantly affected their in vitro skin permeation and their ability to induce immune responses in vivo. Transcutaneous immunization with plasmid DNA-coated net positively charged nanoparticles elicited a stronger immune response than with plasmid DNA-coated net negatively charged nanoparticles or by intramuscular immunization with plasmid DNA alone. Transcutaneous immunization with plasmid DNA-coated net positively charged nanoparticles induced comparable immune responses as intramuscular injection of them, but transcutaneous immunization was able to induce specific mucosal immunity and a more balanced T helper type 1 and type 2 response. The ability of the net positively charged DNA-coated nanoparticles to induce a strong immune response through microneedle-mediated transcutaneous immunization may be attributed to their ability to increase the expression of the antigen gene encoded by the plasmid and to more effectively stimulate the maturation of antigen-presenting cells. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Size and shape-dependent cytotoxicity profile of gold nanoparticles for biomedical applications.

PubMed

Woźniak, Anna; Malankowska, Anna; Nowaczyk, Grzegorz; Grześkowiak, Bartosz F; Tuśnio, Karol; Słomski, Ryszard; Zaleska-Medynska, Adriana; Jurga, Stefan

2017-06-01

Metallic nanoparticles, in particular gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), offer a wide spectrum of applications in biomedicine. A crucial issue is their cytotoxicity, which depends greatly on various factors, including morphology of nanoparticles. Because metallic nanoparticles have an effect on cell membrane integrity, their shape and size may affect the viability of cells, due to their different geometries as well as physical and chemical interactions with cell membranes. Variations in the size and shape of gold nanoparticles may indicate particular nanoparticle morphologies that provide strong cytotoxicity effects. Synthesis of different sized and shaped bare AuNPs was performed with spherical (~ 10 nm), nanoflowers (~ 370 nm), nanorods (~ 41 nm), nanoprisms (~ 160 nm) and nanostars (~ 240 nm) morphologies. These nanostructures were characterized and interacting with cancer (HeLa) and normal (HEK293T) cell lines and cell viability tests were performed by WST-1 tests and fluorescent live/dead cell imaging experiments. It was shown that various shapes and sizes of gold nanostructures may affect the viability of the cells. Gold nanospheres and nanorods proved to be more toxic than star, flower and prism gold nanostructures. This may be attributed to their small size and aggregation process. This is the first report concerning a comparison of cytotoxic profile in vitro with a wide spectrum of bare AuNPs morphology. The findings show their possible use in biomedical applications.

Molecular ligand modulation of palladium nanocatalysts for highly efficient and robust heterogeneous oxidation of cyclohexenone to phenol

DOE PAGES

Xue, Teng; Lin, Zhaoyang; Chiu, Chin-Yi; ...

2017-01-06

Metallic nanoparticles are emerging as an exciting class of heterogeneous catalysts with the potential advantages of exceptional activity, stability, recyclability, and easier separation than homogeneous catalysts. The traditional colloid nanoparticle syntheses usually involve strong surface binding ligands that could passivate the surface active sites and result in poor catalytic activity. The subsequent removal of surface ligands could reactivate the surface but often leads to metal ion leaching and/or severe Ostwald ripening with diminished catalytic activity or poor stability. Molecular ligand engineering represents a powerful strategy for the design of homogeneous molecular catalysts but is insufficiently explored for nanoparticle catalysts tomore » date. We report a systematic investigation on molecular ligand modulation of palladium (Pd) nanoparticle catalysts. Our studies show that β-functional groups of butyric acid ligand on Pd nanoparticles can significantly modulate the catalytic reaction process to modify the catalytic activity and stability for important aerobic reactions. With a β-hydroxybutyric acid ligand, the Pd nanoparticle catalysts exhibit exceptional catalytic activity and stability with an unsaturated turnover number (TON) >3000 for dehydrogenative oxidation of cyclohexenone to phenol, greatly exceeding that of homogeneous Pd(II) catalysts (TON, ~30). This study presents a systematic investigation of molecular ligand modulation of nanoparticle catalysts and could open up a new pathway toward the design and construction of highly efficient and robust heterogeneous catalysts through molecular ligand engineering.« less

Labeling TiO2 nanoparticles with dyes for optical fluorescence microscopy and determination of TiO2-DNA nanoconjugate stability.

PubMed

Thurn, Kenneth T; Paunesku, Tatjana; Wu, Aiguo; Brown, Eric M B; Lai, Barry; Vogt, Stefan; Maser, Jörg; Aslam, Mohammed; Dravid, Vinayak; Bergan, Raymond; Woloschak, Gayle E

2009-06-01

Visualization of nanoparticles without intrinsic optical fluorescence properties is a significant problem when performing intracellular studies. Such is the case with titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles. These nanoparticles, when electronically linked to single-stranded DNA oligonucleotides, have been proposed to be used both as gene knockout devices and as possible tumor imaging agents. By interacting with complementary target sequences in living cells, these photoinducible TiO2-DNA nanoconjugates have the potential to cleave intracellular genomic DNA in a sequence specific and inducible manner. The nanoconjugates also become detectable by magnetic resonance imaging with the addition of gadolinium Gd(III) contrast agents. Herein two approaches for labeling TiO2 nanoparticles and TiO2-DNA nanoconjugates with optically fluorescent agents are described. This permits direct quantification of fluorescently labeled TiO2 nanoparticle uptake in a large population of living cells (>10(4) cells). X-ray fluorescence microscopy (XFM) is combined with fluorescent microscopy to determine the relative intracellular stability of the nanoconjugates and used to quantify intracellular nanoparticles. Imaging the DNA component of the TiO2-DNA nanoconjugate by fluorescent confocal microscopy within the same cell shows an overlap with the titanium signal as mapped by XFM. This strongly implies the intracellular integrity of the TiO2-DNA nanoconjugates in malignant cells.

Proteasome inhibitory, antioxidant, and synergistic antibacterial and anticandidal activity of green biosynthesized magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles using the aqueous extract of corn (Zea mays L.) ear leaves.

PubMed

Patra, Jayanta Kumar; Ali, Md Sarafat; Oh, In-Gyung; Baek, Kwang-Hyun

2017-03-01

Herein, Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles synthesized using aqueous extract of corn ear leaves were investigated for proteasome inhibitory activity, antioxidant activity, synergistic antibacterial, and anticandidal potential. The UV-Vis spectrum displayed an absorption band at 355 nm that indicated the formation of nano-sized Fe 3 O 4 particles. Vibrating sample magnetometer analysis revealed its superparamagnetic nature. Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles exhibited strong proteasome inhibitory potential and antioxidant activity and exerted strong synergistic antibacterial and anticandidal activity. Its significant proteasome inhibitory potential could be useful in cancer treatment and drug delivery. Furthermore, strong antioxidant, antibacterial, and anticandidal activity make them a promising candidate for biomedical and pharmaceutical applications.

Particle stabilized aqueous foams at different length scales: synergy between silica particles and alkylamines.

PubMed

Carl, Adrian; Bannuscher, Anne; von Klitzing, Regine

2015-02-10

Nanoparticles can be efficient foaming agents. Yet, the detailed mechanisms of foam stabilization by these particles remain unclear. In most cases, the foamability and foam stability of a system have to be determined empirically. We used a multiscale approach to reveal how the microscopic properties of the nanoparticle dispersion are translated into their foaming behavior at the macroscopic scale. As a model system we used silica nanoparticles that were hydrophobized by the in situ adsorption of short-chain alkylamines of chain length C5 to C8. We used fluorescence spectroscopy and electrophoretic mobility measurements to characterize the bulk behavior of the nanoparticles with adsorbed amines. The interfacial behavior was probed by compressing particle monolayers while monitoring the surface tension. The macroscopic foamability and foam stability were evaluated. There are strong correlations between the system properties at all length scales. The most prominent effects are observed at a critical bulk concentration of amines at which the nanoparticles start to aggregate due to hydrophobic interactions. Our study shows how the foam properties are related to the features of the bulk dispersions and to the ordering of particles at the air/water interface. The present results help to understand the surfactant concentration dependent stages of foaming behavior of in situ hydrophobized nanoparticles.

Microneedle-mediated transcutaneous immunization with plasmid DNA coated on cationic PLGA nanoparticles

PubMed Central

Kumar, Amit; Wonganan, Piyanuch; Sandoval, Michael A.; Li, Xinran; Zhu, Saijie; Cui, Zhengrong

2012-01-01

Previously, it was shown that microneedle-mediated transcutaneous immunization with plasmid DNA can potentially induce a stronger immune response than intramuscular injection of the same plasmid DNA. In the present study, we showed that the immune responses induced by transcutaneous immunization by applying plasmid DNA onto a skin area pretreated with solid microneedles were significantly enhanced by coating the plasmid DNA on the surface of cationic nanoparticles. In addition, the net surface charge of the DNA-coated nanoparticles significantly affected their in vitro skin permeation and their ability to induce immune responses in vivo. Transcutaneous immunization with plasmid DNA-coated net positively charged anoparticles elicited a stronger immune response than with plasmid DNA-coated net negatively charged nanoparticles or by intramuscular immunization with plasmid DNA alone. Transcutaneous immunization with plasmid DNA-coated net positively charged nanoparticles induced comparable immune responses as intramuscular injection of them, but transcutaneous immunization was able to induce specific mucosal immunity and a more balanced T helper type 1 and type 2 response. The ability of the net positively charged DNA-coated nanoparticles to induce a strong immune response through microneedle-mediated transcutaneous immunization may be attributed to their ability to increase the expression of the antigen gene encoded by the plasmid and to more effectively stimulate the maturation of antigen-presenting cells. PMID:22921518

Assessment of morphology, topography and chemical composition of water-repellent films based on polystyrene/titanium dioxide nanocomposites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bolvardi, Beleta; Seyfi, Javad; Hejazi, Iman; Otadi, Maryam; Khonakdar, Hossein Ali; Drechsler, Astrid; Holzschuh, Matthias

2017-02-01

In this study, polystyrene (PS)/titanium dioxide (TiO2) films were fabricated through simple solution casting technique via a modified phase separation process. The presented approach resulted in a remarkable reduction in the required amount of nanoparticles for achieving superhydrophobicity. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and 3D confocal microscopy were utilized to characterize surface morphology and topography of samples, respectively. An attempt was made to give an in-depth analysis on the surface rough structure using 3D roughness profiles. It was found that high inclusions of non-solvent and nanoparticles resulted in a stable self-cleaning behavior due to the strong presence of hydrophobic TiO2 nanoparticles on the surface. Quite unexpectedly, low inclusions of nanoparticles and non-solvent also resulted in superhydrophobic property mainly due to the proper level of induced surface roughness. XPS analysis was also utilized to determine the chemical composition of the films' surfaces. The results of falling drop experiments showed that the sample containing a higher level of nanoparticles had a much lower mechanical resistance against the induced harsh conditions. All in all, the presented method has shown promising potential in fabrication of superhydrophobic surfaces with self-cleaning behavior using the lowest content of nanoparticles.

Ferrofluids based on Co-Fe-Si-B amorphous nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Tianqi; Bian, Xiufang; Yang, Chuncheng; Zhao, Shuchun; Yu, Mengchun

2017-03-01

Magnetic Co-Fe-Si-B amorphous nanoparticles were successfully synthesized by chemical reduction method. ICP, XRD, DSC, and TEM were used to investigate the composition, structure and morphology of Co-Fe-Si-B samples. The results show that the Co-Fe-Si-B samples are amorphous, which consist of nearly spherical nanoparticles with an average particle size about 23 nm. VSM results manifest that the saturation magnetization (Ms) of Co-Fe-Si-B samples ranges from 46.37 to 62.89 emu/g. Two kinds of ferrofluids (FFs) were prepared by dispersing Co-Fe-Si-B amorphous nanoparticles and CoFe2O4 nanoparticles in kerosene and silicone oil, respectively. The magnetic properties, stability and viscosity of the FFs were investigated. The FFs with Co-Fe-Si-B samples have a higher Ms and lower coercivity (Hc) than FFs with CoFe2O4 sample. Under magnetic field, the silicone oil-based FFs exhibit high stability. The viscosity of FFs under different applied magnetic fields was measured by a rotational viscometer, indicating that FFs with Co-Fe-Si-B particles present relative strong response to an external magnetic field. The metal-boride amorphous alloy nanoparticles have potential applications in the preparation of magnetic fluids with good stability and good magnetoviscous properties.

Immunogold Nanoparticles for Rapid Plasmonic Detection of C. sakazakii.

PubMed

Aly, Mohamed A; Domig, Konrad J; Kneifel, Wolfgang; Reimhult, Erik

2018-06-25

Cronobacter sakazakii is a foodborne pathogen that can cause a rare, septicemia, life-threatening meningitis, and necrotizing enterocolitis in infants. In general, standard methods for pathogen detection rely on culture, plating, colony counting and polymerase chain reaction DNA-sequencing for identification, which are time, equipment and skill demanding. Recently, nanoparticle- and surface-based immunoassays have increasingly been explored for pathogen detection. We investigate the functionalization of gold nanoparticles optimized for irreversible and specific binding to C. sakazakii and their use for spectroscopic detection of the pathogen. We demonstrate how 40-nm gold nanoparticles grafted with a poly(ethylene glycol) brush and functionalized with polyclonal antibodies raised against C. sakazakii can be used to specifically target C. sakazakii . The strong extinction peak of the Au nanoparticle plasmon polariton resonance in the optical range is used as a label for detection of the pathogens. Individual binding of the nanoparticles to the C. sakazakii surface is also verified by transmission electron microscopy. We show that a high degree of surface functionalization with anti- C. sakazakii optimizes the detection and leads to a detection limit as low as 10 CFU/mL within 2 h using a simple cuvette-based UV-Vis spectrometric readout that has great potential for further optimization.

Magnetic properties of M0.3Fe2.7O4 (M = Fe, Zn and Mn) ferrites nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Modaresi, Nahid; Afzalzadeh, Reza; Aslibeiki, Bagher; Kameli, Parviz

2018-06-01

In the present article a comparative study on the structural and magnetic properties of nano-sized M0.3Fe0.7Fe2O4 (M = Fe, Zn and Mn) ferrites have been reported. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns show that the crystallite size depends on the cation distribution. The Rietveld refinement of XRD patterns using MAUD software determines the distribution of cations and unit cell dimensions. The magnetic measurements show that the maximum and minimum value of saturation magnetization is obtained for Zn and Mn doped samples, respectively. The peak temperature of AC magnetic susceptibility of Zn and Fe doped samples below 300 K shows the superparamagnetic behavior in these samples at room temperature. the AC susceptibility results confirm the presence of strong interactions between the nanoparticles which leads to a superspin glass state in the samples at low temperatures.

Electron magnetic resonance and magnetooptical studies of nanoparticle-containing borate glasses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kliava, Janis; Edelman, Irina; Ivanova, Oxana; Ivantsov, Ruslan; Petrakovskaja, Eleonora; Hennet, Louis; Thiaudière, Dominique; Saboungi, Marie-Louise

2011-03-01

We report electron magnetic resonance (EMR) and magnetooptical studies of borate glasses of molar composition 22.5K 2O-22.5Al 2O 3-55B 2O 3 co-doped with low concentrations of Fe 2O 3 and MnO. In as-prepared samples the paramagnetic ions, as a rule, are in diluted state. However, in the case where the ratio of the iron and manganese oxides in the charge is 3/2, magnetic nanoparticles with characteristics close to those of manganese ferrite are formed already at the first stage of the glass preparation, as evidenced by both magnetic circular dichroism (MCD) and EMR. After thermal treatment all glasses show characteristic MCD and EMR spectra, attesting to the presence of magnetic nanoparticles, predominantly including iron ions. Preliminary EXAFS measurements at the Fe K-absorption edge show an emergence of nanoparticles with a structure close to MnFe 2O 4 after annealing the glasses at 560 °C. By computer simulating the EMR spectra at variable temperatures, a superparamagnetic nature of relatively broad size and shape distribution with the average diameter of ca. 3-4 nm. The characteristic temperature-dependent shift of the apparent resonance field is explained by a strong temperature dependence of the magnetic anisotropy in the nanoparticles. The formation of magnetic nanoparticles confers to the potassium-alumina-borate glasses magnetic and magneto-optical properties typical of magnetically ordered substances. At the same time, they remain transparent in a part of the visible and near infrared spectral range and display a high Faraday rotation value.

Haloing in bimodal magnetic colloids: The role of field-induced phase separation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Magnet, C.; Kuzhir, P.; Bossis, G.; Meunier, A.; Suloeva, L.; Zubarev, A.

2012-07-01

If a suspension of magnetic micrometer-sized and nanosized particles is subjected to a homogeneous magnetic field, the nanoparticles are attracted to the microparticles and form thick anisotropic halos (clouds) around them. Such clouds can hinder the approach of microparticles and result in effective repulsion between them [M. T. López-López, A. Yu. Zubarev, and G. Bossis, Soft Matter10.1039/c0sm00261e 6, 4346 (2010)]. In this paper, we present detailed experimental and theoretical studies of nanoparticle concentration profiles and of the equilibrium shapes of nanoparticle clouds around a single magnetized microsphere, taking into account interactions between nanoparticles. We show that at a strong enough magnetic field, the ensemble of nanoparticles experiences a gas-liquid phase transition such that a dense liquid phase is condensed around the magnetic poles of a microsphere while a dilute gas phase occupies the rest of the suspension volume. Nanoparticle accumulation around a microsphere is governed by two dimensionless parameters—the initial nanoparticle concentration (φ0) and the magnetic-to-thermal energy ratio (α)—and the three accumulation regimes are mapped onto a α-φ0 phase diagram. Our local thermodynamic equilibrium approach gives a semiquantitative agreement with the experiments on the equilibrium shapes of nanoparticle clouds. The results of this work could be useful for the development of the bimodal magnetorheological fluids and of the magnetic separation technologies used in bioanalysis and water purification systems.

Individual and collective modes of surface magnetoplasmon in thiolate-protected silver nanoparticles studied by MCD spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yao, Hiroshi; Shiratsu, Taisuke

2016-05-01

Large magneto-optical (MO) responses at the energy of localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR), namely, surface magnetoplasmons, are demonstrated for the first time in thiolate-protected silver nanoparticles with magnetic circular dichroism (MCD) spectroscopy. The samples examined are decanethiol (DT)-, azobenzenethiol (ABT)-, and ABT/DT mixed-monolayer-protected Ag nanoparticles. ABT-protected Ag nanoparticles are somewhat aggregated and thus exhibit a broad, collective mode of plasmonic absorption, whereas other samples with highly-dispersed nanoparticles show an individual mode of LSPR absorption. In all Ag nanoparticles, a derivative-like MCD signal is observed under an applied magnetic field of 1.6 T, which can be explained in terms of two circular modes of magnetoplasmon caused by the increase (or decrease) in the Lorentz force imparted on the free electrons that oscillate in the left (or right) circular orbits in the nanosphere. For the Ag nanoparticles exhibiting an individual LSPR mode, in particular, simultaneous deconvolution analysis of UV-vis absorption and MCD spectra reveal that (i) the amplitude of the magnetoplasmonic component with lower frequency (ω-), resulting from the reduction in the confinement strength of collective electrons by the Lorentz force, is stronger than that with a higher frequency (ω+) (ii) the accurate shift or cyclotron frequency between two magnetoplasmonic modes (ωc = ω+ - ω-) is size-dependent, and presents a very large value with implications for the apparent enhancement of the local magnetic-field in the Ag nanoparticles. These results strongly suggest that the Ag-thiolate layer or Ag-S bonding on the nanoparticle surface plays a significant role in the MO enhancement.Large magneto-optical (MO) responses at the energy of localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR), namely, surface magnetoplasmons, are demonstrated for the first time in thiolate-protected silver nanoparticles with magnetic circular dichroism (MCD) spectroscopy. The samples examined are decanethiol (DT)-, azobenzenethiol (ABT)-, and ABT/DT mixed-monolayer-protected Ag nanoparticles. ABT-protected Ag nanoparticles are somewhat aggregated and thus exhibit a broad, collective mode of plasmonic absorption, whereas other samples with highly-dispersed nanoparticles show an individual mode of LSPR absorption. In all Ag nanoparticles, a derivative-like MCD signal is observed under an applied magnetic field of 1.6 T, which can be explained in terms of two circular modes of magnetoplasmon caused by the increase (or decrease) in the Lorentz force imparted on the free electrons that oscillate in the left (or right) circular orbits in the nanosphere. For the Ag nanoparticles exhibiting an individual LSPR mode, in particular, simultaneous deconvolution analysis of UV-vis absorption and MCD spectra reveal that (i) the amplitude of the magnetoplasmonic component with lower frequency (ω-), resulting from the reduction in the confinement strength of collective electrons by the Lorentz force, is stronger than that with a higher frequency (ω+) (ii) the accurate shift or cyclotron frequency between two magnetoplasmonic modes (ωc = ω+ - ω-) is size-dependent, and presents a very large value with implications for the apparent enhancement of the local magnetic-field in the Ag nanoparticles. These results strongly suggest that the Ag-thiolate layer or Ag-S bonding on the nanoparticle surface plays a significant role in the MO enhancement. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: EDX spectroscopic analysis of various Ag nanoparticle samples; MCD signals normalized to absorbance for the Ag(DT)L and Ag(DT)S samples; deconvolution of UV-vis absorption and MCD spectra using three Lorentzian components; IR spectral changes upon photoisomerization; thermal cis-to-trans relaxation of azobenzene in the Ag(ABT) sample; UV-vis absorption spectra of Ag nanoparticle samples in the presence/absence of a magnetic field of 1.6 T. See DOI: 10.1039/c6nr00631k

Application of nanoparticle tracking analysis for characterising the fate of engineered nanoparticles in sediment-water systems.

PubMed

Luo, Ping; Roca, Alejandro; Tiede, Karen; Privett, Katie; Jiang, Jiachao; Pinkstone, John; Ma, Guibin; Veinot, Jonathan; Boxall, Alisatair

2018-02-01

Novel applications of nanotechnology may lead to the release of engineered nanoparticles (ENPs), which result in concerns over their potential environmental hazardous impact. It is essential for the research workers to be able to quantitatively characterise ENPs in the environment and subsequently to assist the risk assessment of the ENPs. This study hence explored the application of nanoparticle tracking system (NTA) to quantitatively describe the behaviour of the ENPs in natural sediment-water systems. The NTA allows the measurement of both particle number concentration (PNC) and particle size distribution (PSD) of the ENPs. The developed NTA method was applied to a range of gold and magnetite ENPs with a selection of surface properties. The results showed that the positively-charged ENPs interacted more strongly with the sediment than neutral and negatively-charged ENPs. It was also found that the citrate coated Au ENPs had a higher distribution percentage (53%) than 11-mercaptoundecanoic acid coated Au ENPs (20%) and citrate coated magnetite ENPs (21%). The principles of the electrostatic interactions between hard (and soft) acids and bases (HSAB) are used to explain such behaviours; the hard base coating (i.e. citrate ions) will interact more strongly with hard acid (i.e. magnetite) than soft acid (i.e. gold). The results indicate that NTA is a complementary method to existing approaches to characterise the fate and behaviour of ENPs in natural sediment. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Influence of crystallite size on the magnetic and heat generation properties of La0.77Sr0.23MnO3 nanoparticles for hyperthermia applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Das, Harinarayan; Inukai, Akihiro; Debnath, Nipa; Kawaguchi, Takahiko; Sakamoto, Naonori; Hoque, Sheikh Manjura; Aono, Hiromichi; Shinozaki, Kazuo; Suzuki, Hisao; Wakiya, Naoki

2018-01-01

In this paper, we report a detailed study of magnetic properties and AC magnetic heat generation characteristics of La0.77Sr0.23MnO3 (LSMO) nanoparticles to investigate appropriate crystallite size with a view to the proper application of self-controlled magnetic hyperthermia treatments of cancer. A series of nanocrystalline LSMO manganite was synthesized through the chemical route called as "polymerized complex method" and then subsequently annealed at the different temperature from 600 to 1400 °C to obtain various crystallite size. Phase formation and crystal structure of the prepared powder were determined by the powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) using Rietveld analysis. The XRD patterns reveal that all powder samples are a single phase rhombohedral perovskite-like structure with R 3 bar c space group. The mean crystallite size of prepared particles varied from 19 to 243.8 nm with the increase of the annealing temperature starting from 600 to 1400 °C. The field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) analysis shows the surface morphology with a strong agglomeration of fine nanoparticles. The Magnetic study reveals that these nanoparticles exhibit ferromagnetic nature with different value of magnetization, coercivity, Curie temperature which is strongly dependent on their crystallite size. The maximum saturation temperature (TS = 66 °C) under AC magnetic field (H = 1.77 kA/m, f = 370 kHz) was found for the crystallite size of 39.5 nm due to its pure single domain phase. Such LSMO nanoparticles, having the higher heating rate, can be used in magnetically induced hyperthermia cancer treatment.

Characterization and cytotoxicity studies on liposome-hydrophobic magnetite hybrid colloids.

PubMed

Floris, Alice; Sinico, Chiara; Fadda, Anna Maria; Lai, Francesco; Marongiu, Francesca; Scano, Alessandra; Pilloni, Martina; Angius, Fabrizio; Vázquez-Vázquez, Carlos; Ennas, Guido

2014-07-01

The aim of this study was to highlight the main features of magnetoliposomes prepared by TLE, using hydrophobic magnetite, and stabilized with oleic acid, instead of using the usual hydrophilic magnetite surrounded by sodium citrate. These biocompatible magnetoliposomes (MLs) were prepared with the purpose of producing a magnetic carrier capable of loading either hydrophilic or lipophilic drugs. The effect of different liposome/magnetite weight ratios on the stability of magnetoliposomes was evaluated by monitoring the mean diameter of the particles, their polydispersity index, and zeta potential over time. The prepared magnetoliposomes showed a high liposome-magnetite association, with magnetoliposomes containing PEG (polyethylene glycol) showing the best magnetite loading values. To verify the position of magnetite nanoparticles in the vesicular structures, the morphological characteristics of the structures were studied using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). TEM studies showed a strong affinity between hydrophobic magnetite nanoparticles, the surrounding oleic acid molecules, and phospholipids. Furthermore, the concentration above which one would expect to find a cytotoxic effect on cells as well as morphological cell-nanoparticle interactions was studied in situ by using the trypan blue dye exclusion assay, and the Prussian Blue modified staining method. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Fabrication and Luminescence Characterization of a Silica Nanomatrix Embedded with NaYF4:Yb:Er:Tm@NaGdF4/Fe3O4 Nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thangaraju, Dheivasigamani; Santhana, Vedi; Matsuda, Satoshi; Hayakawa, Yasuhiro

2018-05-01

Hexagonal NaYF4:Yb:Er:Tm@NaGdF4 core-shell nanocrystals were synthesized using a seed mediated hot injection method, and monodispersed Fe3O4 (4 nm) nanoparticles were prepared from iron(II) actylacetonate by a precursor thermal decomposition method. Structural and morphology verified NaYF4:Yb:Er:Tm@NaGdF4 and Fe3O4 nanoparticles were utilized for the preparation of NaYF4:Yb:Er:Tm@NaGdF4/Fe3O4@SiO2 nanocomposite using a micro-emulsion method. Existence of Fe3O4 in NaYF4:Yb:Er:Tm@NaGdF4 in SiO2 nano-spheres were confirmed with transmission electron microscopy. Luminescence measurement revealed that NaYF4:Yb:Er:Tm@NaGdF4 exhibited strong emissions at green and red regions, in addition to a weak blue emission also observed under 980 nm excitation. Up-conversion emission of the nanoparticle-embedded silica nanocomposite showed that the up-conversion emission was not affected by Fe3O4 nanoparticles.

Anomalous Drag Reduction and Hydrodynamic Interactions of Nanoparticles in Polymer Nanocomposite Thin Films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Basu, Jaydeep; Begam, Nafisa; Chandran, Sivasurender; Sprung, Michael

2015-03-01

One of the central dogma of fluid physics is the no-slip boundary condition whose validity has come under intense scrutiny, especially in the fields of micro and nanofluidics. Although various studies show the violation of the no-slip condition its effect on flow of colloidal particles in viscous media has been rarely explored. Here we report unusually large reduction of effective drag experienced by polymer grafted nanoparticles moving through a highly viscous film of polymer, well above its glass transition temperature. The extent of drag reduction increases with decreasing temperature and polymer film thickness. We also observe apparent divergence of the wave vector dependent hydrodynamic interaction function of these nanoparticles with an anomalous power law exponent of ~ 2 at the lowest temperatures and film thickness. Such strong hydrodynamic interactions are not expected in polymer melts where these interactions are known to be screened to molecular dimensions. We provide evidence for the presence of large hydrodynamic slip at the nanoparticle-polymer interface and demonstrate its tunability with temperature and confinement. Our study suggests novel physics emerging in dynamics nanoparticles due to confinement and interface wettability in thin films of polymer nanocomposites.

Memory effects in annealed hybrid gold nanoparticles/block copolymer bilayers

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

We report on the use of the self-organization process of sputtered gold nanoparticles on a self-assembled block copolymer film deposited by horizontal precipitation Langmuir-Blodgett (HP-LB) method. The morphology and the phase-separation of a film of poly-n-butylacrylate-block-polyacrylic acid (PnBuA-b-PAA) were studied at the nanometric scale by using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and Time of Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (TOF-SIMS). The templating capability of the PnBuA-b-PAA phase-separated film was studied by sputtering gold nanoparticles (NPs), forming a film of nanometric thickness. The effect of the polymer chain mobility onto the organization of gold nanoparticle layer was assessed by heating the obtained hybrid PnBuA-b-PAA/Au NPs bilayer at T >Tg. The nanoparticles' distribution onto the different copolymer domains was found strongly affected by the annealing treatment, showing a peculiar memory effect, which modifies the AFM phase response of the Au NPs layer onto the polar domains, without affecting their surfacial composition. The effect is discussed in terms of the peculiar morphological features induced by enhanced mobility of polymer chains on the Au NPs layer. PMID:21711674

pH-controlled gas-generating mineralized nanoparticles: a theranostic agent for ultrasound imaging and therapy of cancers.

PubMed

Min, Kyung Hyun; Min, Hyun Su; Lee, Hong Jae; Park, Dong Jin; Yhee, Ji Young; Kim, Kwangmeyung; Kwon, Ick Chan; Jeong, Seo Young; Silvestre, Oscar F; Chen, Xiaoyuan; Hwang, Yu-Shik; Kim, Eun-Cheol; Lee, Sang Cheon

2015-01-27

We report a theranostic nanoparticle that can express ultrasound (US) imaging and simultaneous therapeutic functions for cancer treatment. We developed doxorubicin-loaded calcium carbonate (CaCO3) hybrid nanoparticles (DOX-CaCO3-MNPs) through a block copolymer templated in situ mineralization approach. The nanoparticles exhibited strong echogenic signals at tumoral acid pH by producing carbon dioxide (CO2) bubbles and showed excellent echo persistence. In vivo results demonstrated that the DOX-CaCO3-MNPs generated CO2 bubbles at tumor tissues sufficient for echogenic reflectivity under a US field. In contrast, the DOX-CaCO3-MNPs located in the liver or tumor-free subcutaneous area did not generate the CO2 bubbles necessary for US contrast. The DOX-CaCO3-MNPs could also trigger the DOX release simultaneously with CO2 bubble generation at the acidic tumoral environment. The DOX-CaCO3-MNPs displayed effective antitumor therapeutic activity in tumor-bearing mice. The concept described in this work may serve as a useful guide for development of various theranostic nanoparticles for US imaging and therapy of various cancers.

A multiple-scattering polaritonic-operator method for hybrid arrays of metal nanoparticles and quantum emitters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chatzidakis, Georgios D.; Yannopapas, Vassilios

2018-05-01

We present a new technique for the study of hybrid collections of quantum emitters (atoms, molecules, quantum dots) with nanoparticles. The technique is based on a multiple-scattering polaritonic-operator formalism in conjunction with an electromagnetic coupled dipole method. Apart from collections of quantum emitters and nanoparticles, the method can equally treat the interaction of a collection of quantum emitters with a single nano-object of arbitrary shape in which case the nano-object is treated as a finite three-dimensional lattice of point scatterers. We have applied our method to the case of linear array (chain) of dimers of quantum emitters and metallic nanoparticles wherein the corresponding (geometrical and physical) parameters of the dimers are chosen so as the interaction between the emitter and the nanoparticle lies in the strong-coupling regime in order to enable the formation of plexciton states in the dimer. In particular, for a linear chain of dimers, we show that the corresponding light spectra reveal a multitude of plexciton modes resulting from the hybridization of the plexciton resonances of each individual dimer in a manner similar to the tight-binding description of electrons in solids.

Room-Temperature and Aqueous-Phase Synthesis of Plasmonic Molybdenum Oxide Nanoparticles for Visible-Light-Enhanced Hydrogen Generation.

PubMed

Shi, Jiayuan; Kuwahara, Yasutaka; Wen, Meicheng; Navlani-García, Miriam; Mori, Kohsuke; An, Taicheng; Yamashita, Hiromi

2016-09-06

A straightforward aqueous synthesis of MoO3-x nanoparticles at room temperature was developed by using (NH4 )6 Mo7 O24 ⋅4 H2 O and MoCl5 as precursors in the absence of reductants, inert gas, and organic solvents. SEM and TEM images indicate the as-prepared products are nanoparticles with diameters of 90-180 nm. The diffuse reflectance UV-visible-near-IR spectra of the samples indicate localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) properties generated by the introduction of oxygen vacancies. Owing to its strong plasmonic absorption in the visible-light and near-infrared region, such nanostructures exhibit an enhancement of activity toward visible-light catalytic hydrogen generation. MoO3-x nanoparticles synthesized with a molar ratio of Mo(VI) /Mo(V) 1:1 show the highest yield of H2 evolution. The cycling catalytic performance has been investigated to indicate the structural and chemical stability of the as-prepared plasmonic MoO3-x nanoparticles, which reveals its potential application in visible-light catalytic hydrogen production. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Investigations of the fabrication and the surface-enhanced Raman scattering detection applications for tapered fiber probes prepared with the laser-induced chemical deposition method.

PubMed

Fan, Qunfang; Cao, Jie; Liu, Ye; Yao, Bo; Mao, Qinghe

2013-09-01

The process of depositing nanoparticles onto tapered fiber probes with the laser-induced chemical deposition method (LICDM) and the surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) detection performance of the prepared probes are experimentally investigated in this paper. Our results show that the nanoparticle-deposited tapered fiber probes prepared with the LICDM method depend strongly on the value of the cone angle. For small-angle tapered probes the nanoparticle-deposited areas are only focused at the taper tips, because the taper surfaces are mainly covered by a relatively low-intensity evanescent field. By lengthening the reaction time or increasing the induced power or solution concentration, it is still possible to deposit nanoparticles on small-angle tapers with the light-scattering effect. With 4-aminothiophenol as the testing molecule, it was found that for given preparation conditions, the cone angles for the tapered probes with the highest SERS spectral intensities for different excitation laser powers are almost the same. However, such an optimal cone angle is determined by the combined effects of both the localized surface plasmon resonance strength and the transmission loss generated by the nanoparticles deposited.

Syntheses of Eu-Activated Alkaline Earth Fluoride MF2 (M=Ca, Sr) Nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hong, Byung-Chul; Kawano, Katsuyasu

2007-09-01

The Eu2+ ion-activated CaF2 and SrF2 nanoparticles were prepared by the sol-gel technique assisted with the trifluoro-acetic acid (TFA), and were evaluated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), photoluminescence (PL), photoluminescence excitation (PLE) measurements and atomic force microscopy (AFM) observation. A modified reducing method based on the thermal-carbon reducing atmosphere (TCRA) treatment using activated carbon was proposed to realize the effective reduction from Eu3+ to Eu2+ ions, in which the nanoparticles showed a strong and broad luminescence due to the parity allowed 4f7-4f65d1 transition. From the XRD results, it was found that the average particle size proportionally increased in the range of 15 to 120 nm and 10 to 100 nm for CaF2 and SrF2, respectively, with increasing sintering temperatures 300-700 °C. The surface images of nanoparticles obtained by the AFM revealed that the grains with high uniformity grew with increasing TCRA temperatures. It was confirmed that the reduced Eu2+ ions were homogeneously dispersed with the critical distance 16-17 Å in the fluoride nanoparticles from the concentration quenching results.

Diazonium-derived aryl films on gold nanoparticles: evidence for a carbon-gold covalent bond.

PubMed

Laurentius, Lars; Stoyanov, Stanislav R; Gusarov, Sergey; Kovalenko, Andriy; Du, Rongbing; Lopinski, Gregory P; McDermott, Mark T

2011-05-24

Tailoring the surface chemistry of metallic nanoparticles is generally a key step for their use in a wide range of applications. There are few examples of organic films covalently bound to metal nanoparticles. We demonstrate here that aryl films are formed on gold nanoparticles from the spontaneous reduction of diazonium salts. The structure and the bonding of the film is probed with surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). Extinction spectroscopy and SERS show that a nitrobenzene film forms on gold nanoparticles from the corresponding diazonium salt. Comparison of the SERS spectrum with spectra computed from density functional theory models reveals a band characteristic of a Au-C stretch. The observation of this stretch is direct evidence of a covalent bond. A similar band is observed in high-resolution electron energy loss spectra of nitrobenzene layers on planar gold. The bonding of these types of films through a covalent interaction on gold is consistent with their enhanced stability observed in other studies. These findings provide motivation for the use of diazonium-derived films on gold and other metals in applications where high stability and/or strong adsorbate-substrate coupling are required.

Individual and collective modes of surface magnetoplasmon in thiolate-protected silver nanoparticles studied by MCD spectroscopy.

PubMed

Yao, Hiroshi; Shiratsu, Taisuke

2016-06-07

Large magneto-optical (MO) responses at the energy of localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR), namely, surface magnetoplasmons, are demonstrated for the first time in thiolate-protected silver nanoparticles with magnetic circular dichroism (MCD) spectroscopy. The samples examined are decanethiol (DT)-, azobenzenethiol (ABT)-, and ABT/DT mixed-monolayer-protected Ag nanoparticles. ABT-protected Ag nanoparticles are somewhat aggregated and thus exhibit a broad, collective mode of plasmonic absorption, whereas other samples with highly-dispersed nanoparticles show an individual mode of LSPR absorption. In all Ag nanoparticles, a derivative-like MCD signal is observed under an applied magnetic field of 1.6 T, which can be explained in terms of two circular modes of magnetoplasmon caused by the increase (or decrease) in the Lorentz force imparted on the free electrons that oscillate in the left (or right) circular orbits in the nanosphere. For the Ag nanoparticles exhibiting an individual LSPR mode, in particular, simultaneous deconvolution analysis of UV-vis absorption and MCD spectra reveal that (i) the amplitude of the magnetoplasmonic component with lower frequency (ω-), resulting from the reduction in the confinement strength of collective electrons by the Lorentz force, is stronger than that with a higher frequency (ω+); (ii) the accurate shift or cyclotron frequency between two magnetoplasmonic modes (ωc = ω+-ω-) is size-dependent, and presents a very large value with implications for the apparent enhancement of the local magnetic-field in the Ag nanoparticles. These results strongly suggest that the Ag-thiolate layer or Ag-S bonding on the nanoparticle surface plays a significant role in the MO enhancement.

Comparative Proteomic Analysis of the Molecular Responses of Mouse Macrophages to Titanium Dioxide and Copper Oxide Nanoparticles Unravels Some Toxic Mechanisms for Copper Oxide Nanoparticles in Macrophages

PubMed Central

Triboulet, Sarah; Aude-Garcia, Catherine; Armand, Lucie; Collin-Faure, Véronique; Chevallet, Mireille; Diemer, Hélène; Gerdil, Adèle; Proamer, Fabienne; Strub, Jean-Marc; Habert, Aurélie; Herlin, Nathalie; Van Dorsselaer, Alain; Carrière, Marie; Rabilloud, Thierry

2015-01-01

Titanium dioxide and copper oxide nanoparticles are more and more widely used because of their catalytic properties, of their light absorbing properties (titanium dioxide) or of their biocidal properties (copper oxide), increasing the risk of adverse health effects. In this frame, the responses of mouse macrophages were studied. Both proteomic and targeted analyses were performed to investigate several parameters, such as phagocytic capacity, cytokine release, copper release, and response at sub toxic doses. Besides titanium dioxide and copper oxide nanoparticles, copper ions were used as controls. We also showed that the overall copper release in the cell does not explain per se the toxicity observed with copper oxide nanoparticles. In addition, both copper ion and copper oxide nanoparticles, but not titanium oxide, induced DNA strands breaks in macrophages. As to functional responses, the phagocytic capacity was not hampered by any of the treatments at non-toxic doses, while copper ion decreased the lipopolysaccharide-induced cytokine and nitric oxide productions. The proteomic analyses highlighted very few changes induced by titanium dioxide nanoparticles, but an induction of heme oxygenase, an increase of glutathione synthesis and a decrease of tetrahydrobiopterin in response to copper oxide nanoparticles. Subsequent targeted analyses demonstrated that the increase in glutathione biosynthesis and the induction of heme oxygenase (e.g. by lovastatin/monacolin K) are critical for macrophages to survive a copper challenge, and that the intermediates of the catecholamine pathway induce a strong cross toxicity with copper oxide nanoparticles and copper ions. PMID:25902355

Adjuvant-carrying synthetic vaccine particles augment the immune response to encapsulated antigen and exhibit strong local immune activation without inducing systemic cytokine release

PubMed Central

Ilyinskii, Petr O.; Roy, Christopher J.; O’Neil, Conlin P.; Browning, Erica A.; Pittet, Lynnelle A.; Altreuter, David H.; Alexis, Frank; Tonti, Elena; Shi, Jinjun; Basto, Pamela A.; Iannacone, Matteo; Radovic-Moreno, Aleksandar F.; Langer, Robert S.; Farokhzad, Omid C.; von Andrian, Ulrich H.; Johnston, Lloyd P.M.; Kishimoto, Takashi Kei

2014-01-01

Augmentation of immunogenicity can be achieved by particulate delivery of an antigen and by its co-administration with an adjuvant. However, many adjuvants initiate strong systemic inflammatory reactions in vivo, leading to potential adverse events and safety concerns. We have developed a synthetic vaccine particle (SVP) technology that enables co-encapsulation of antigen with potent adjuvants. We demonstrate that co-delivery of an antigen with a TLR7/8 or TLR9 agonist in synthetic polymer nanoparticles results in a strong augmentation of humoral and cellular immune responses with minimal systemic production of inflammatory cytokines. In contrast, antigen encapsulated into nanoparticles and admixed with free TLR7/8 agonist leads to lower immunogenicity and rapid induction of high levels of inflammatory cytokines in the serum (e.g., TNF-α and IL-6 levels are 50- to 200-fold higher upon injection of free resiquimod (R848) than of nanoparticle-encapsulated R848). Conversely, local immune stimulation as evidenced by cellular infiltration of draining lymph nodes and by intranodal cytokine production was more pronounced and persisted longer when SVP-encapsulated TLR agonists were used. The strong local immune activation achieved using a modular self-assembling nanoparticle platform markedly enhanced immunogenicity and was equally effective whether antigen and adjuvant were co-encapsulated in a single nanoparticle formulation or co-delivered in two separate nanoparticles. Moreover, particle encapsulation enabled the utilization of CpG oligonucleotides with the natural phosphodiester backbone, which are otherwise rapidly hydrolyzed by nucleases in vivo. The use of SVP may enable clinical use of potent TLR agonists as vaccine adjuvants for indications where cellular immunity or robust humoral responses are required. PMID:24593999

Resonant silicon nanoparticles for enhancement of light absorption and photoluminescence from hybrid perovskite films and metasurfaces.

PubMed

Tiguntseva, E; Chebykin, A; Ishteev, A; Haroldson, R; Balachandran, B; Ushakova, E; Komissarenko, F; Wang, H; Milichko, V; Tsypkin, A; Zuev, D; Hu, W; Makarov, S; Zakhidov, A

2017-08-31

Recently, hybrid halide perovskites have emerged as one of the most promising types of materials for thin-film photovoltaic and light-emitting devices because of their low-cost and potential for high efficiency. Further boosting their performance without detrimentally increasing the complexity of the architecture is critically important for commercialization. Despite a number of plasmonic nanoparticle based designs having been proposed for solar cell improvement, inherent optical losses of the nanoparticles reduce photoluminescence from perovskites. Here we use low-loss high-refractive-index dielectric (silicon) nanoparticles for improving the optical properties of organo-metallic perovskite (MAPbI 3 ) films and metasurfaces to achieve strong enhancement of photoluminescence as well as useful light absorption. As a result, we observed experimentally a 50% enhancement of photoluminescence intensity from a perovskite layer with silicon nanoparticles and 200% enhancement for a nanoimprinted metasurface with silicon nanoparticles on top. Strong increase in light absorption is also demonstrated and described by theoretical calculations. Since both silicon nanoparticle fabrication/deposition and metasurface nanoimprinting techniques are low-cost, we believe that the developed all-dielectric approach paves the way to novel scalable and highly effective designs of perovskite based metadevices.

Critical Assessment of the Evidence for Striped Nanoparticles

PubMed Central

Stirling, Julian; Lekkas, Ioannis; Sweetman, Adam; Djuranovic, Predrag; Guo, Quanmin; Pauw, Brian; Granwehr, Josef; Lévy, Raphaël; Moriarty, Philip

2014-01-01

There is now a significant body of literature which reports that stripes form in the ligand shell of suitably functionalised Au nanoparticles. This stripe morphology has been proposed to strongly affect the physicochemical and biochemical properties of the particles. We critique the published evidence for striped nanoparticles in detail, with a particular focus on the interpretation of scanning tunnelling microscopy (STM) data (as this is the only technique which ostensibly provides direct evidence for the presence of stripes). Through a combination of an exhaustive re-analysis of the original data, in addition to new experimental measurements of a simple control sample comprising entirely unfunctionalised particles, we show that all of the STM evidence for striped nanoparticles published to date can instead be explained by a combination of well-known instrumental artefacts, or by issues with data acquisition/analysis protocols. We also critically re-examine the evidence for the presence of ligand stripes which has been claimed to have been found from transmission electron microscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, small angle neutron scattering experiments, and computer simulations. Although these data can indeed be interpreted in terms of stripe formation, we show that the reported results can alternatively be explained as arising from a combination of instrumental artefacts and inadequate data analysis techniques. PMID:25402426

Comparison of temperature sensing of the luminescent upconversion and ZnCdS nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yanina, I. Yu.; Volkova, E. K.; Sagaidachnaya, E. A.; Konyukhova, J. G.; Kochubey, V. I.; Tuchin, V. V.

2018-02-01

The luminescence spectra of upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) and ZnCdS nanoparticles (ZnCdSNPs) were measured and analyzed in a wide temperature range: from room to human body and further to a hyperthermic temperature resulting in tissue morphology change. The results show that the luminescence signal of UCNPs and ZnCdSNPs placed within the tissue is reasonably good sensitive to temperature change and accompanied by phase transitions of lipid structures of adipose tissue. The most likely that the multiple phase transitions are associated with the different components of fat cells, such as phospholipids of cell membrane and lipids of fat droplets. In the course of fat cell heating, lipids of fat droplet first transit from a crystalline form to a liquid crystal form and then to a liquid form, which is characterized by much less scattering. The results of phase transitions of lipids were observed as the changes in the slope of the temperature dependence of the intensity of luminescence of the film with nanoparticles embedded into tissue. The obtained results confirm a high sensitivity of the luminescent UCNPs and ZnCdSNPs to the temperature variations within thin tissue samples and show a strong potential for the controllable tissue thermolysis.

PVP and PEG doped CuO nanoparticles are more biologically active: Antibacterial, antioxidant, antidiabetic and cytotoxic perspective.

PubMed

Javed, Rabia; Ahmed, Madiha; Haq, Ihsan Ul; Nisa, Sobia; Zia, Muhammad

2017-10-01

Search for biologically active nanoparticles is prerequisite for biomedical applications. CuO nanoparticles synthesized by co-precipitation method are capped by polyethylene-glycol (PEG) and polyvinyl-pyrrolidone (PVP) on the surface by simple adsorption. Physical and chemical properties carried out by SEM, XRD and FTIR confirm nanometer in size and efficient capping of PVP and PEG on CuO NPs. Biological assays reveal higher activities of CuO-PEG and CuO-PVP as compared to the uncapped CuO nanoparticles. CuO-PEG shows better antitumor activity against Streptomyces as compared with CuO-PVP and CuO NPs. Both the capped NPs are significantly active for α-amylase inhibition assay. CuO-PVP demonstrates significantly better activity against bacterial strains followed by CuO-PEG and uncapped CuO. PVP coated CuO NPs also shows strong DPPH based free radical scavenging activity, total reducing power potential, total antioxidative potential and also carries flavonoid and phenolics properties determines to querecetin and gallic acid equivalence, respectively. It can be concluded that PVP and PEG capped CuO NPs are more capable to be used in biomedical applications as drug and diagnostic carrier molecules. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Elastomeric nanoparticle composites covalently bound to Al2O3/GaAs surfaces.

PubMed

Song, Hyon Min; Ye, Peide D; Ivanisevic, Albena

2007-08-28

This article reports the modification of Al2O3/GaAs surfaces with multifunctional soft materials. Siloxane elastomers were covalently bound to dopamine-modified Al2O3/GaAs semiconductor surfaces using MPt (M = Fe, Ni) nanoparticles. The sizes of the monodisperse FePt and NiPt nanoparticles were less than 5 nm. The surfaces of the nanoparticles as well as the Al2O3/GaAs substrates were modified with allyl-functionalized dopamine that utilized a dihydroxy group as a strong ligand. The immobilization of the elastomers was performed via a hydrosilation reaction of the allyl-functionalized dopamines with the siloxane backbones. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) experiments confirmed the covalent bonding of the siloxane elastomers to the oxide layer on the semiconductor surface. Fourier transform-infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy (FT-IRRAS) measurements revealed that the allyl functional groups are bonded to the siloxane backbones. The FT-IRRAS data also showed that the density of the allyl groups on the surface was lower than that of the siloxane backbones. The mechanical properties of the surface-bound nanocomposites were tested using nanoindentation experiments. The nanoindentation data showed that the soft matrix composed of the elastomeric coating on the surfaces behaves differently from the inner, hard Al2O3/GaAs substrate.

Size-controlled gold nanoparticles obtained from electrodeposited amidoferrocenylpoly(propyleneimine) dendrimer-templates for the electrochemical sensing of dopamine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Villena, Carlos; Bravo, Marta; Alonso, Beatriz; Casado, Carmen M.; Losada, José; García Armada, M. Pilar

2017-10-01

Nanometer-scale gold particles exhibit size-dependent electronic properties with important sensing and biosensing applications. In the same way, a lot of analytes show some type of surface-sensitive reaction and the electrode material has a strong influence on the catalytic activity. In this work we study the kinetics and electrochemistry of electrodes with size controlled gold nanoparticles, obtained by electrodeposited amidoferrocenylpoly(propyleneimine) dendrimers of two generations as templates, and the kinetics and the analytical response to the oxidation of dopamine. We demonstrate that the four-types of modified electrodes show good catalytic responses toward the oxidation of dopamine via different processes in relation with the absence or presence of gold nanoparticles and their size. The best response was obtained with the largest nanoparticles, obtained with the first generation dendrimer-template at 0.3 V vs. SCE, with three linear ranges (0-70, 70-600 and 600-1000 μM), with sensitivities 585.7; 466.0 and 314.3 μA/mM cm2, and limit of detection of 0.01 μM. The effect of interfering substances has been studied by differential pulse voltammetry and the developed sensor has been successfully used for the determination of dopamine in a commercial dopamine hydrochloride injection and in spiked Human urine.

Highly sensitive wearable strain sensor based on silver nanowires and nanoparticles.

PubMed

Shengbo, Sang; Lihua, Liu; Aoqun, Jian; Qianqian, Duan; Jianlong, Ji; Qiang, Zhang; Wendong, Zhang

2018-06-22

Here, we propose a highly sensitive and stretchable strain sensor based on silver nanoparticles and nanowires (Ag NPs and NWs), advancing the rapid development of electronic skin. To improve the sensitivity of strain sensors based on silver nanowires (Ag NWs), Ag NPs and NWs were added to polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) as an aid filler. Silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) increase the conductive paths for electrons, leading to the low resistance of the resulting sensor (14.9 Ω). The strain sensor based on Ag NPs and NWs showed strong piezoresistivity with a tunable gauge factor (GF) at 3766, and a change in resistance as the strain linearly increased from 0% to 28.1%. The high GF demonstrates the irreplaceable role of Ag NPs in the sensor. Moreover, the applicability of our high-performance strain sensor has been demonstrated by its ability to sense movements caused by human talking, finger bending, wrist raising and walking.

Resonances of nanoparticles with poor plasmonic metal tips

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ringe, Emilie; Desantis, Christopher J.; Collins, Sean M.; Duchamp, Martial; Dunin-Borkowski, Rafal E.; Skrabalak, Sara E.; Midgley, Paul A.

2015-11-01

The catalytic and optical properties of metal nanoparticles can be combined to create platforms for light-driven chemical energy storage and enhanced in-situ reaction monitoring. However, the heavily damped plasmon resonances of many catalytically active metals (e.g. Pt, Pd) prevent this dual functionality in pure nanostructures. The addition of catalytic metals at the surface of efficient plasmonic particles thus presents a unique opportunity if the resonances can be conserved after coating. Here, nanometer resolution electron-based techniques (electron energy loss, cathodoluminescence, and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy) are used to show that Au particles incorporating a catalytically active but heavily damped metal, Pd, sustain multiple size-dependent localized surface plasmon resonances (LSPRs) that are narrow and strongly localized at the Pd-rich tips. The resonances also couple with a dielectric substrate and other nanoparticles, establishing that the full range of plasmonic behavior is observed in these multifunctional nanostructures despite the presence of Pd.

Two dimensional fluid simulation in capacitively coupled silane discharges

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Song, Yuan-Hong; Liu, Xiang-Mei; Wang, Yan; Wang, You-Nian

2011-10-01

A two-dimensional (2D) self-consistent fluid model is developed to describe the formation, subsequent growth, transport and charging mechanisms of nanoparticles in a capacitively coupled silane plasma. In this discharge process, large anions are produced by a series of chemical reactions of anions with silane molecules, while the lower limit of the initial nanoparticles are taken as large anions to directly link the coagulation module with the nucleation module. The influences of source parameters on the electron density, electron temperature, nanoparticle uniformity, and deposition rate, are carefully studied. Moreover, the behavior of silicon plasma mixed with SiH4, N2 and O2 in a pulse modulated capacitively coupled plasma has been also investigated. Results showed a strong dependence of the electron density and electron temperature on the duty cycle and the modulated frequency. Supported by NSFC (No.10775025 and No. 10805008), INSTSP (Grant No: 2011ZX02403-001), and PNCETU (NCET-08-0073).

Field-assisted organization, substrate effects and magnetic behavior of Ag 30Co 70 core-shell nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Crisan, A. D.; Angelakeris, M.; Simeonidis, K.; Tsiaoussis, I.; Crisan, O.

2010-11-01

In core-shell systems with non-magnetic core and magnetic shell, the electron transport and magnetic properties are expected to show enhanced behavior due to the particular morpho-structural features of the conductive and magnetic regions. This may lead to novel advanced GMR materials and spin valves. This is the case of core-shell Ag-Co colloidal nanoscale particles that organize into regular arrays. An insight on the structure and morphology of the newly synthesized Ag-Co nanoparticles deposited on different substrates will be presented. The influence of the substrate on different morphologies and organization dynamics is discussed. It is shown that the magnetic behavior of the Ag-Co nanoparticles is highly influenced by the corona-like morphology of Co shell, chemical environment of the magnetic atoms and by the fact that they exhibit strongly reduced coordination due to the surface states.

Interaction of fluorescent sensor with superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles.

PubMed

Karunakaran, Chockalingam; Jayabharathi, Jayaraman; Sathishkumar, Ramalingam; Jayamoorthy, Karunamoorthy

2013-06-01

To sense superparamagnetic iron oxides (Fe2O3 and Fe3O4) nanocrystals a sensitive bioactive phenanthroimidazole based fluorescent molecule, 2-(4-fluorophenyl)-1-phenyl-1H-phenanthro [9,10-d] imidazole has been designed and synthesized. Electronic spectral studies show that phenanthroimidazole is bound to the surface of iron oxide semiconductors. Fluorescent enhancement has been explained on the basis of photo-induced electron transfer (PET) mechanism and apparent binding constants have been deduced. Binding of phenanthroimidazole with iron oxide nanoparticles lowers the HOMO and LUMO energy levels of phenanthroimidazole molecule. Chemical affinity between the nitrogen atom of the phenanthroimidazole and Fe(2+) and Fe(3+) ions on the surface of the nano-oxide may result in strong binding of the phenanthroimidazole derivative with the nanoparticles. The electron injection from the photoexcited phenanthroimidazole to the iron oxides conduction band explains the enhanced fluorescence. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

New insights into the formation mechanism of Ag, Au and AgAu nanoparticles in aqueous alkaline media: alkoxides from alcohols, aldehydes and ketones as universal reducing agents.

PubMed

Gomes, Janaina F; Garcia, Amanda C; Ferreira, Eduardo B; Pires, Cleiton; Oliveira, Vanessa L; Tremiliosi-Filho, Germano; Gasparotto, Luiz H S

2015-09-07

In this report we present new insights into the formation mechanism of Ag, Au and AgAu nanoparticles with alcohols, aldehydes and ketones in alkaline medium at room temperature. We selected methanol, ethanol, glycerol, formaldehyde, acetaldehyde and acetone to demonstrate their capability of reducing gold and silver ions under the above-mentioned conditions. We showed that the particles are also formed with potassium tert-butoxide in the absence of hydroxides. Our results strongly suggest that alkoxides, formed from any molecule containing a hydroxyl or a functional group capable of generating them in alkaline medium, are the actual and universal reducing agent of silver and gold ions, in opposition to the currently accepted mechanisms. The universality of the reaction mechanism proposed in this work may impact on the production of noble nanoparticles with simple chemicals normally found in standard laboratories.

Highly sensitive wearable strain sensor based on silver nanowires and nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shengbo, Sang; Lihua, Liu; Aoqun, Jian; Qianqian, Duan; Jianlong, Ji; Qiang, Zhang; Wendong, Zhang

2018-06-01

Here, we propose a highly sensitive and stretchable strain sensor based on silver nanoparticles and nanowires (Ag NPs and NWs), advancing the rapid development of electronic skin. To improve the sensitivity of strain sensors based on silver nanowires (Ag NWs), Ag NPs and NWs were added to polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) as an aid filler. Silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) increase the conductive paths for electrons, leading to the low resistance of the resulting sensor (14.9 Ω). The strain sensor based on Ag NPs and NWs showed strong piezoresistivity with a tunable gauge factor (GF) at 3766, and a change in resistance as the strain linearly increased from 0% to 28.1%. The high GF demonstrates the irreplaceable role of Ag NPs in the sensor. Moreover, the applicability of our high-performance strain sensor has been demonstrated by its ability to sense movements caused by human talking, finger bending, wrist raising and walking.

Hybrid ternary rice paper-manganese oxide-carbon nanotube nanocomposites for flexible supercapacitors.

PubMed

Jiang, Wenchao; Zhang, Kaixi; Wei, Li; Yu, Dingshan; Wei, Jun; Chen, Yuan

2013-11-21

Modern portable electronic devices create a strong demand for flexible energy storage devices. Paper based nanocomposites are attractive as sustainable materials for such applications. Here, we directly explored the hydroxyl chemistry of cellulose fibers to synthesize hybrid ternary nanocomposites, comprised of rice paper, single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and manganese oxide nanoparticles. The functional groups on cellulose fibers can react with adsorbed permanganate ions, resulting in uniform deposition of manganese oxide nanoparticles. SWCNTs coated on top of manganese oxide nanoparticles form a highly conductive network connecting individual manganese oxide particles. By using the hybrid ternary composites as electrodes, the assembled two-electrode supercapacitors demonstrated high capacitance (260.2 F g(-1)), energy (9.0 W h kg(-1)), power (59.7 kW kg(-1)), and cycle stability (12% drop after 3000 cycles). In addition, the nanocomposites show good strength and excellent mechanical flexibility, and their capacitance shows negligible changes after bending more than 100 times. These findings suggest that opportunities exist to further explore the rich chemistry of cellulose fibers for innovative energy applications.

Tailoring plasmonic nanoparticles and fractal patterns

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rosa, Lorenzo; Juodkazis, Saulius

2011-12-01

We studied new three-dimensional tailoring of nano-particles by ion-beam and electron-beam lithographies, aiming for features and nano-gaps down to 10 nm size. Electron-beam patterning is demonstrated for 2D fabrication in combination with plasmonic metal deposition and lift-off, with full control of spectral features of plasmonic nano-particles and patterns on dielectric substrates. We present wide-angle bow-tie rounded nano-antennas whose plasmonic resonances achieve strong field enhancement at engineered wavelength range, and show how the addition of fractal patterns defined by standard electron beam lithography achieve light field enhancement from visible to far-IR spectral range and scalable up towards THz band. Field enhancement is evaluated by FDTD modeling on full-3D simulation domains using complex material models, showing the modeling method capabilities and the effect of staircase approximations on field enhancement and resonance conditions, especially at metal corners, where a minimum rounding radius of 2 nm is resolved and a five-fold reduction of spurious ringing at sharp corners is obtained by the use of conformal meshing.

Covalent immobilization of lipase onto aminopropyl-functionalized hydroxyapatite-encapsulated-γ-Fe2O3 nanoparticles: A magnetic biocatalyst for interesterification of soybean oil.

PubMed

Xie, Wenlei; Zang, Xuezhen

2017-07-15

Hydroxyapatite-encapsulated γ-Fe 2 O 3 nanoparticles were prepared, and lipase from Candida rugosa was then covalently bound onto the magnetic materials via covalent linkages. The magnetic carrier and immobilized lipase were characterized by enzyme activity assays, XRD, FT-IR, TEM, VSM and N 2 adsorption-desorption techniques. Results demonstrated that γ-Fe 2 O 3 nanoparticles were coated with the hydroxyapatite, and the lipase was indeed tethered to the magnetic carriers without damage to their structure. The immobilized lipase showed a strong magnetic responsiveness and displayed high catalytic activities towards the interesterification of soybean oil. The interesterified products were evaluated for their total fatty acid (FA) composition, slip melting point (SMP), iodine value, triacylglycerols (TAGs) profile and FA composition at sn-2 position in TAGs. The FA positional distributions and TAG species significantly changed after the enzymatic interesterification. Besides this, the interesterified products showed an obvious reduction in their SMP in comparison with the physical blends. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Gram scale synthesis of Fe/Fe xO y core–shell nanoparticles and their incorporation into matrix-free superparamagnetic nanocomposites

DOE PAGES

Watt, John Daniel; Bleier, Grant C.; Romero, Zachary William; ...

2018-05-15

In this paper, significant reductions recently seen in the size of wide-bandgap power electronics have not been accompanied by a relative decrease in the size of the corresponding magnetic components. To achieve this, a new generation of materials with high magnetic saturation and permeability are needed. Here, we develop gram-scale syntheses of superparamagnetic Fe/Fe xO y core–shell nanoparticles and incorporate them as the magnetic component in a strongly magnetic nanocomposite. Nanocomposites are typically formed by the organization of nanoparticles within a polymeric matrix. However, this approach can lead to high organic fractions and phase separation; reducing the performance of themore » resulting material. Here, we form aminated nanoparticles that are then cross-linked using epoxy chemistry. The result is a magnetic nanoparticle component that is covalently linked and well separated. By using this ‘matrix-free’ approach, we can substantially increase the magnetic nanoparticle fraction, while still maintaining good separation, leading to a superparamagnetic nanocomposite with strong magnetic properties.« less

Gram scale synthesis of Fe/Fe xO y core–shell nanoparticles and their incorporation into matrix-free superparamagnetic nanocomposites

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Watt, John Daniel; Bleier, Grant C.; Romero, Zachary William

In this paper, significant reductions recently seen in the size of wide-bandgap power electronics have not been accompanied by a relative decrease in the size of the corresponding magnetic components. To achieve this, a new generation of materials with high magnetic saturation and permeability are needed. Here, we develop gram-scale syntheses of superparamagnetic Fe/Fe xO y core–shell nanoparticles and incorporate them as the magnetic component in a strongly magnetic nanocomposite. Nanocomposites are typically formed by the organization of nanoparticles within a polymeric matrix. However, this approach can lead to high organic fractions and phase separation; reducing the performance of themore » resulting material. Here, we form aminated nanoparticles that are then cross-linked using epoxy chemistry. The result is a magnetic nanoparticle component that is covalently linked and well separated. By using this ‘matrix-free’ approach, we can substantially increase the magnetic nanoparticle fraction, while still maintaining good separation, leading to a superparamagnetic nanocomposite with strong magnetic properties.« less

Plasmonic Colloidal Nanoantennas for Tip-Enhanced Raman Spectrocopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dill, Tyler J.

Plasmonic nanoantennas that a support localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) are capable of confining visible light to subwavelength dimensions due to strong electromagnetic field enhancement at the probe tip. Nanoantenna enable optical methods such as tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (TERS), a technique that uses scanning probe microscopy tips to provide chemical information with nanoscale spatial resolution and single-molecule sensitivities. The LSPR supported by the probe tip is extremely sensitive to the nanoscale morphology of the nanoantenna. Control of nanoscale morphology is notoriously difficult to achieve, resulting in TERS probes with poor reproducibility. In my thesis, I demonstrate high-performance, predictable, and broadband nanospectroscopy probes that are fabricated by self-assembly. Shaped metal nanoparticles are organized into dense layers and deposited onto scanning probe tips. When coupled to a metal substrate, these probes support a strong optical resonance in the gap between the substrate and the probe, producing dramatic field enhancements. I show through experiment and electromagnetic modeling that close-packed but electrically isolated nanoparticles are electromagnetically coupled. Hybridized LSPRs supported by self-assembled nanoparticles with a broadband optical response, giving colloidal nanoantenna a high tolerance for geometric variation resulting from fabrication. I find that coupled nanoparticles act as a waveguide, transferring energy from many neighboring nanoparticles towards the active TERS apex. I also use surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) to characterize the effects of nanoparticle polydispersity and gap height on the Raman enhancement. These colloidal probes have consistently achieved dramatic Raman enhancements in the range of 108-109 with sub-50 nm spatial resolution. Furthermore, in contrast to other nanospectroscopy probes, these colloidal probes can be fabricated in a scalable fashion with a batch-to-batch reproducibility of 80%. This body of work serves as an important demonstration that bottom-up engineering can be used for batch fabricatation of high-performance and high-reliability devices using inexpensive equipment and materials.

Role of Au-C Interactions on the Catalytic Activity of Au Nanoparticles Supported on TiC(001) Towards Molecular Oxygen Dissociation

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Rodriguez, J.A.; Feria, L.; Jirsak, T.

2010-03-10

High-resolution photoemission and density functional calculations on realistic slab surface models were used to study the interaction and subsequent dissociation of O{sub 2} with Au nanoparticles supported on TiC(001). The photoemission results indicate that at 150 K O{sub 2} adsorbs molecularly on the supported gold nanoparticles, and upon heating to temperatures above 200 K the O{sub 2} {yields} 2O reaction takes place with migration of atomic oxygen to the TiC(001) substrate. The addition of Au to TiC(001) substantially enhances the rate of O{sub 2} dissociation at room temperature. The reactivity of Au nanoparticles supported on TiC(001) toward O{sub 2} dissociationmore » is much larger than that of similar nanoparticles supported either on TiO{sub 2}(110) or MgO(001) surfaces, where the cleavage of O-O bonds is very difficult. Density functional calculations carried out on large supercells show that the contact of Au with TiC(001) is essential for charge polarization and an enhancement in the chemical activity of Au. Small two-dimensional particles which expose Au atoms in contact with TiC(001) are the most reactive. While O{sub 2} prefers binding to Au sites, the O atoms interact more strongly with the TiC(001) surface. The oxygen species active during the low-temperature (<200 K) oxidation of carbon monoxide on Au/TiC(001) is chemisorbed O{sub 2}. Once atomic O binds to TiC(001), the chemisorption bond is so strong that temperatures well above 400 K are necessary to remove the O adatoms from the TiC(001) substrate by direct reaction with CO. The high reactivity of Au/TiC(001) toward O{sub 2} at low-temperature opens the route for the transformation of alcohols and amines on the supported Au nanoparticles.« less

Role of Au-C Interactions on the Catalytic Activity of Au Nanoparticles Supported on TiC(001) toward Molecular Oxygen Dissociation

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Rodriguez, J.; Feria, L; Jirsak, T

2010-01-01

High-resolution photoemission and density functional calculations on realistic slab surface models were used to study the interaction and subsequent dissociation of O{sub 2} with Au nanoparticles supported on TiC(001). The photoemission results indicate that at 150 K O{sub 2} adsorbs molecularly on the supported gold nanoparticles, and upon heating to temperatures above 200 K the O{sub 2} {yields} 2O reaction takes place with migration of atomic oxygen to the TiC(001) substrate. The addition of Au to TiC(001) substantially enhances the rate of O{sub 2} dissociation at room temperature. The reactivity of Au nanoparticles supported on TiC(001) toward O{sub 2} dissociationmore » is much larger than that of similar nanoparticles supported either on TiO{sub 2}(110) or MgO(001) surfaces, where the cleavage of O-O bonds is very difficult. Density functional calculations carried out on large supercells show that the contact of Au with TiC(001) is essential for charge polarization and an enhancement in the chemical activity of Au. Small two-dimensional particles which expose Au atoms in contact with TiC(001) are the most reactive. While O{sub 2} prefers binding to Au sites, the O atoms interact more strongly with the TiC(001) surface. The oxygen species active during the low-temperature (<200 K) oxidation of carbon monoxide on Au/TiC(001) is chemisorbed O{sub 2}. Once atomic O binds to TiC(001), the chemisorption bond is so strong that temperatures well above 400 K are necessary to remove the O adatoms from the TiC(001) substrate by direct reaction with CO. The high reactivity of Au/TiC(001) toward O{sub 2} at low-temperature opens the route for the transformation of alcohols and amines on the supported Au nanoparticles.« less

Impact of ultrasonic assisted triangular lattice like arranged dispersion of nanoparticles on physical and mechanical properties of epoxy-TiO2 nanocomposites.

PubMed

Goyat, M S; Ghosh, P K

2018-04-01

Emerging ex-situ technique, ultrasonic dual mixing (UDM) offers unique and hitherto unapproachable opportunities to alter the physical and mechanical properties of polymer nanocomposites. In this study, triangular lattice-like arranged dispersion of TiO 2 nanoparticles (average size ∼ 48 nm) in the epoxy polymer has been attained via concurrent use of a probe ultra-sonicator and 4 blades pitched impeller which collectively named as UDM technique. The UDM processing of neat epoxy reveals the generation of triangular lattice-like arranged nanocavities with nanoscale inter-cavity spacing. The UDM processing of epoxy-TiO 2 nanocomposites reveals two unique features such as partial and complete entrapping of the nanoparticles by the nanocavities leading the arranged dispersion of particles in the epoxy matrix. Pristine TiO 2 nanoparticles were dispersed in the epoxy polymer at loading fractions of up to 20% by weight. The results display that the arranged dispersion of nanoparticles is very effective at enhancing the glass transition temperature (T g ) and tensile properties of the epoxy at loading fractions of 10 wt%. We quantify a direct relationship among three important parameters such as nanoparticle content, cluster size, and inter-particle spacing. Our results offer a novel understanding of these parameters on the T g and tensile properties of the epoxy nanocomposites. The tensile fracture surfaces revealed several toughening mechanisms such as particle pull-out, plastic void growth, crack deflection, crack bridging and plastic deformation. We show that a strong nanoparticle-matrix interface led to the enhanced mechanical properties due to leading toughening mechanisms such as crack deflection, plastic deformation and particle pull-out. We showed that the UDM has an inordinate prospective to alter the dispersion state of nanoparticles in viscous polymer matrices. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Novel platinum–palladium bimetallic nanoparticles synthesized by Dioscorea bulbifera: anticancer and antioxidant activities

PubMed Central

Ghosh, Sougata; Nitnavare, Rahul; Dewle, Ankush; Tomar, Geetanjali B; Chippalkatti, Rohan; More, Piyush; Kitture, Rohini; Kale, Sangeeta; Bellare, Jayesh; Chopade, Balu A

2015-01-01

Medicinal plants serve as rich sources of diverse bioactive phytochemicals that might even take part in bioreduction and stabilization of phytogenic nanoparticles with immense therapeutic properties. Herein, we report for the first time the rapid efficient synthesis of novel platinum–palladium bimetallic nanoparticles (Pt–PdNPs) along with individual platinum (PtNPs) and palladium (PdNPs) nanoparticles using a medicinal plant, Dioscorea bulbifera tuber extract (DBTE). High-resolution transmission electron microscopy revealed monodispersed PtNPs of size 2–5 nm, while PdNPs and Pt–PdNPs between 10 and 25 nm. Energy dispersive spectroscopy analysis confirmed 30.88%±1.73% elemental Pt and 68.96%±1.48% elemental Pd in the bimetallic nanoparticles. Fourier transform infrared spectra indicated strong peaks at 3,373 cm−1, attributed to hydroxyl group of polyphenolic compounds in DBTE that might play a key role in bioreduction in addition to the sharp peaks at 2,937, 1,647, 1,518, and 1,024 cm−1, associated with C–H stretching, N–H bending in primary amines, N–O stretching in nitro group, and C–C stretch, respectively. Anticancer activity against HeLa cells showed that Pt–PdNPs exhibited more pronounced cell death of 74.25% compared to individual PtNPs (12.6%) or PdNPs (33.15%). Further, Pt–PdNPs showed an enhanced scavenging activity against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, superoxide, nitric oxide, and hydroxyl radicals. PMID:26719690

Novel platinum-palladium bimetallic nanoparticles synthesized by Dioscorea bulbifera: anticancer and antioxidant activities.

PubMed

Ghosh, Sougata; Nitnavare, Rahul; Dewle, Ankush; Tomar, Geetanjali B; Chippalkatti, Rohan; More, Piyush; Kitture, Rohini; Kale, Sangeeta; Bellare, Jayesh; Chopade, Balu A

2015-01-01

Medicinal plants serve as rich sources of diverse bioactive phytochemicals that might even take part in bioreduction and stabilization of phytogenic nanoparticles with immense therapeutic properties. Herein, we report for the first time the rapid efficient synthesis of novel platinum-palladium bimetallic nanoparticles (Pt-PdNPs) along with individual platinum (PtNPs) and palladium (PdNPs) nanoparticles using a medicinal plant, Dioscorea bulbifera tuber extract (DBTE). High-resolution transmission electron microscopy revealed monodispersed PtNPs of size 2-5 nm, while PdNPs and Pt-PdNPs between 10 and 25 nm. Energy dispersive spectroscopy analysis confirmed 30.88% ± 1.73% elemental Pt and 68.96% ± 1.48% elemental Pd in the bimetallic nanoparticles. Fourier transform infrared spectra indicated strong peaks at 3,373 cm(-1), attributed to hydroxyl group of polyphenolic compounds in DBTE that might play a key role in bioreduction in addition to the sharp peaks at 2,937, 1,647, 1,518, and 1,024 cm(-1), associated with C-H stretching, N-H bending in primary amines, N-O stretching in nitro group, and C-C stretch, respectively. Anticancer activity against HeLa cells showed that Pt-PdNPs exhibited more pronounced cell death of 74.25% compared to individual PtNPs (12.6%) or PdNPs (33.15%). Further, Pt-PdNPs showed an enhanced scavenging activity against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, superoxide, nitric oxide, and hydroxyl radicals.

Characterization, sorption, and exhaustion of metal oxide nanoparticles as metal adsorbents

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Engates, Karen Elizabeth

Safe drinking water is paramount to human survival. Current treatments do not adequately remove all metals from solution, are expensive, and use many resources. Metal oxide nanoparticles are ideal sorbents for metals due to their smaller size and increased surface area in comparison to bulk media. With increasing demand for fresh drinking water and recent environmental catastrophes to show how fragile water supplies are, new approaches to water conservation incorporating new technologies like metal oxide nanoparticles should be considered as an alternative method for metal contaminant adsorbents from typical treatment methods. This research evaluated the potential of manufactured iron, anatase, and aluminum nanoparticles (Al2O3, TiO2, Fe2O3) to remove metal contaminants (Pb, Cd, Cu, Ni, Zn) in lab-controlled and natural waters in comparison to their bulk counterparts by focusing on pH, contaminant and adsorbent concentrations, particle size, and exhaustive capabilities. Microscopy techniques (SEM, BET, EDX) were used to characterize the adsorbents. Adsorption experiments were performed using 0.01, 0.1, or 0.5 g/L nanoparticles in pH 8 solution. When results were normalized by mass, nanoparticles adsorbed more than bulk particles but when surface area normalized the opposite was observed. Adsorption was pH-dependent and increased with time and solid concentration. Aluminum oxide was found to be the least acceptable adsorbent for the metals tested, while titanium dioxide anatase (TiO2) and hematite (alpha-Fe2O3) showed great ability to remove individual and multiple metals from pH 8 and natural waters. Intraparticle diffusion was likely part of the complex kinetic process for all metals using Fe2O3 but not TiO 2 nanoparticles within the first hour of adsorption. Adsorption kinetics for all metals tested were described by a modified first order rate equation used to consider the diminishing equilibrium metal concentrations with increasing metal oxides, showing faster adsorption rates for nanoparticles compared to bulk particles. Isotherms were best fit with most correlations of r=0.99 or better using the Langmuir-Freundlich equation which describes a heterogeneous surface with monolayer adsorption. Calculated rate constants and distribution coefficients (Kd) showed TiO2 nanoparticles were very good sorbents and more rapid in removing metals than other nanoparticles studied here and reported in the literature. Desorption studies concluded Pb, Cd, and Zn appear to be irreversibly sorbed to TiO2 surfaces at pH 8. TiO2 and Fe2O3 nanoparticles were capable of multiple metal loadings, with exhaustion for both adsorbents at pH 6. Exhaustion studies at pH 8 showed hematite exhausted after four consecutive cycles while anatase showed no exhaustion after 8 cycles. Their bulk counterparts exhausted in earlier cycles indicating the lack of ability to adsorb much of the multiple metals in solution. The increased surface area of TiO2 and Fe 2O3 nanoparticles, coupled with strong adsorption at the pH of most natural waters and resistance to desorption of some metals, may offer a potential remediation method for removal of metals from water in the future.

Multidentate zwitterionic chitosan oligosaccharide modified gold nanoparticles: stability, biocompatibility and cell interactions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Xiangsheng; Huang, Haoyuan; Liu, Gongyan; Zhou, Wenbo; Chen, Yangjun; Jin, Qiao; Ji, Jian

2013-04-01

Surface engineering of nanoparticles plays an essential role in their colloidal stability, biocompatibility and interaction with biosystems. In this study, a novel multidentate zwitterionic biopolymer derivative is obtained from conjugating dithiolane lipoic acid and zwitterionic acryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine to the chitosan oligosaccharide backbone. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) modified by this polymer exhibit remarkable colloidal stabilities under extreme conditions including high salt conditions, wide pH range and serum or plasma containing media. The AuNPs also show strong resistance to competition from dithiothreitol (as high as 1.5 M). Moreover, the modified AuNPs demonstrate low cytotoxicity investigated by both MTT and LDH assays, and good hemocompatibility evaluated by hemolysis of human red blood cells. In addition, the intracellular fate of AuNPs was investigated by ICP-MS and TEM. It showed that the AuNPs are uptaken by cells in a concentration dependent manner, and they can escape from endosomes/lysosomes to cytosol and tend to accumulate around the nucleus after 24 h incubation but few of them are excreted out of the cells. Gold nanorods are also stabilized by this ligand, which demonstrates robust dispersion stability and excellent hemocompatibility. This kind of multidentate zwitterionic chitosan derivative could be widely used for stabilizing other inorganic nanoparticles, which will greatly improve their performance in a variety of bio-related applications.Surface engineering of nanoparticles plays an essential role in their colloidal stability, biocompatibility and interaction with biosystems. In this study, a novel multidentate zwitterionic biopolymer derivative is obtained from conjugating dithiolane lipoic acid and zwitterionic acryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine to the chitosan oligosaccharide backbone. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) modified by this polymer exhibit remarkable colloidal stabilities under extreme conditions including high salt conditions, wide pH range and serum or plasma containing media. The AuNPs also show strong resistance to competition from dithiothreitol (as high as 1.5 M). Moreover, the modified AuNPs demonstrate low cytotoxicity investigated by both MTT and LDH assays, and good hemocompatibility evaluated by hemolysis of human red blood cells. In addition, the intracellular fate of AuNPs was investigated by ICP-MS and TEM. It showed that the AuNPs are uptaken by cells in a concentration dependent manner, and they can escape from endosomes/lysosomes to cytosol and tend to accumulate around the nucleus after 24 h incubation but few of them are excreted out of the cells. Gold nanorods are also stabilized by this ligand, which demonstrates robust dispersion stability and excellent hemocompatibility. This kind of multidentate zwitterionic chitosan derivative could be widely used for stabilizing other inorganic nanoparticles, which will greatly improve their performance in a variety of bio-related applications. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: More experimental details for the synthesis of AuNPs and AuNRs. Fig. S1, 1H NMR spectrum of LA-CSO-PC and Fig. S2, FT-IR spectrum of AuNP-LA-CSO-PC. See DOI: 10.1039/c3nr00284e

EPR and Structural Characterization of Water-Soluble Mn2+-Doped Si Nanoparticles

PubMed Central

2016-01-01

Water-soluble poly(allylamine) Mn2+-doped Si (SiMn) nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared and show promise for biologically related applications. The nanoparticles show both strong photoluminescence and good magnetic resonance contrast imaging. The morphology and average diameter were obtained through transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM); spherical crystalline Si NPs with an average diameter of 4.2 ± 0.7 nm were observed. The doping maximum obtained through this process was an average concentration of 0.4 ± 0.3% Mn per mole of Si. The water-soluble SiMn NPs showed a strong photoluminescence with a quantum yield up to 13%. The SiMn NPs had significant T1 contrast with an r1 relaxivity of 11.1 ± 1.5 mM–1 s–1 and r2 relaxivity of 32.7 ± 4.7 mM–1 s–1 where the concentration is in mM of Mn2+. Dextran-coated poly(allylamine) SiMn NPs produced NPs with T1 and T2 contrast with a r1 relaxivity of 27.1 ± 2.8 mM–1 s–1 and r2 relaxivity of 1078.5 ± 1.9 mM–1 s–1. X-band electron paramagnetic resonance spectra are fit with a two-site model demonstrating that there are two types of Mn2+ in these NP’s. The fits yield hyperfine splittings (A) of 265 and 238 MHz with significant zero field splitting (D and E terms). This is consistent with Mn in sites of symmetry lower than tetrahedral due to the small size of the NP’s. PMID:28154618

Size, Shape, and Sequence-Dependent Immunogenicity of RNA Nanoparticles.

PubMed

Guo, Sijin; Li, Hui; Ma, Mengshi; Fu, Jian; Dong, Yizhou; Guo, Peixuan

2017-12-15

RNA molecules have emerged as promising therapeutics. Like all other drugs, the safety profile and immune response are important criteria for drug evaluation. However, the literature on RNA immunogenicity has been controversial. Here, we used the approach of RNA nanotechnology to demonstrate that the immune response of RNA nanoparticles is size, shape, and sequence dependent. RNA triangle, square, pentagon, and tetrahedron with same shape but different sizes, or same size but different shapes were used as models to investigate the immune response. The levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines induced by these RNA nanoarchitectures were assessed in macrophage-like cells and animals. It was found that RNA polygons without extension at the vertexes were immune inert. However, when single-stranded RNA with a specific sequence was extended from the vertexes of RNA polygons, strong immune responses were detected. These immunostimulations are sequence specific, because some other extended sequences induced little or no immune response. Additionally, larger-size RNA square induced stronger cytokine secretion. 3D RNA tetrahedron showed stronger immunostimulation than planar RNA triangle. These results suggest that the immunogenicity of RNA nanoparticles is tunable to produce either a minimal immune response that can serve as safe therapeutic vectors, or a strong immune response for cancer immunotherapy or vaccine adjuvants. Copyright © 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Dynamic shear rheology of colloidal suspensions of surface-modified silica nanoparticles in PEG

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Swarna; Pattanayek, Sudip Kumar; Ghosh, Anup Kumar

2018-03-01

The present work illustrates the effect of surface modification of silica nanoparticles (500 nm) with 3-(glycidoxypropyl)trimethoxy silane which was carried out at different reaction times. The suspensions prepared from modified and unmodified silica nanoparticles were evaluated for their shear rate-dependent viscosity and strain-frequency-dependent modulus. The linear viscoelastic moduli, viz., storage modulus and loss modulus, were compared with those of nonlinear moduli. The shear-thickened suspensions displayed strain thinning at low-frequency smaller strains and a strong strain overshoot at higher strains, characteristics of a continuous shear thickening fluids. The shear-thinned suspension, conversely, exhibited a strong elastic dominance at smaller strains, but at higher strains, its strain softened observed in the steady shear viscosity plot indicating characteristics of yielding material. Considering higher order harmonic components, the decomposed elastic and viscous stress revealed a pronounced elastic response up to 10% strain and a high viscous damping at larger strains. The current work is one of a kind in demonstrating the effect of silica surface functionalization on the linear and nonlinear viscoelasticity of suspensions showing a unique rheological fingerprint. The suspensions can thus be predicted through rheological studies for their applicability in energy absorbing and damping materials with respect to their mechanical properties.

Following in Real Time the Two-Step Assembly of Nanoparticles into Mesocrystals in Levitating Drops.

PubMed

Agthe, Michael; Plivelic, Tomás S; Labrador, Ana; Bergström, Lennart; Salazar-Alvarez, German

2016-11-09

Mesocrystals composed of crystallographically aligned nanocrystals are present in biominerals and assembled materials which show strongly directional properties of importance for mechanical protection and functional devices. Mesocrystals are commonly formed by complex biomineralization processes and can also be generated by assembly of anisotropic nanocrystals. Here, we follow the evaporation-induced assembly of maghemite nanocubes into mesocrystals in real time in levitating drops. Analysis of time-resolved small-angle X-ray scattering data and ex situ scanning electron microscopy together with interparticle potential calculations show that the substrate-free, particle-mediated crystallization process proceeds in two stages involving the formation and rapid transformation of a dense, structurally disordered phase into ordered mesocrystals. Controlling and tailoring the particle-mediated formation of mesocrystals could be utilized to assemble designed nanoparticles into new materials with unique functions.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Han, Chang Wan; Choksi, Tej; Milligan, Cory

The strength of metal-support bonding in heterogeneous catalysts determines their thermal stability, therefore, a tremendous amount of effort has been expended to understand metal-support interactions. Herein, we report the discovery of an anomalous “strong metal-support bonding” between gold nanoparticles and “nano-engineered” Fe 3O 4 substrates by in-situ microscopy. During in-situ vacuum annealing of Au-Fe 3O 4 dumbbell-like nanoparticles, synthesized by the epitaxial growth of nano-Fe 3O 4 on Au nanoparticles, the gold nanoparticles transform into the monolayered gold thinfilms and wet the surface of nano-Fe 3O 4, as the surface reduction of nano-Fe 3O 4 proceeds. This phenomenon results frommore » a unique coupling of the size-and shape-dependent high surface reducibility of nano-Fe 3O 4 and the extremely strong adhesion between Au and the reduced Fe 3O 4. This strong-metal support bonding reveals the significance of controlling the metal oxide support size and morphology for optimizing metal-support bonding and, ultimately, for the development of improved catalysts and functional nanostructures.« less

Diffusive dynamics of nanoparticles in ultra-confined media

DOE PAGES

Jacob, Jack Deodato; Conrad, Jacinta; Krishnamoorti, Ramanan; ...

2015-08-10

Differential dynamic microscopy (DDM) was used to investigate the diffusive dynamics of nanoparticles of diameter 200 400 nm that were strongly confined in a periodic square array of cylindrical nanoposts. The minimum distance between posts was 1.3 5 times the diameter of the nanoparticles. The image structure functions obtained from the DDM analysis were isotropic and could be fit by a stretched exponential function. The relaxation time scaled diffusively across the range of wave vectors studied, and the corresponding scalar diffusivities decreased monotonically with increased confinement. The decrease in diffusivity could be described by models for hindered diffusion that accountedmore » for steric restrictions and hydrodynamic interactions. The stretching exponent decreased linearly as the nanoparticles were increasingly confined by the posts. Altogether, these results are consistent with a picture in which strongly confined nanoparticles experience a heterogeneous spatial environment arising from hydrodynamics and volume exclusion on time scales comparable to cage escape, leading to multiple relaxation processes and Fickian but non-Gaussian diffusive dynamics.« less

Contract W911NF-07-1-0139 (Massachusetts Institute of Technology)

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-07-09

materials were effective in nucleophilic degradation of organophosphorous (OP) esters represented by CWA simulants and pesticides. Studies demonstrated...separate the cells effectively from suspension using a magnet. A fluorescence dye displacement assay shows strong affinities of the nanoparticles...as other imidazole groups, in its proximity. In that regard, we were interested in potential neighboring effects of the imidazole groups concentrated

Biogenesis of Selenium Nanoparticles Using Green Chemistry.

PubMed

Shoeibi, Sara; Mozdziak, Paul; Golkar-Narenji, Afsaneh

2017-11-09

Selenium binds some enzymes such as glutathione peroxidase and thioredoxin reductase, which may be activated in biological infections and oxidative stress. Chemical and physical methods for synthesizing nanoparticles, apart from being expensive, have their own particular risks. However, nanoparticle synthesis through green chemistry is a safe procedure that different biological sources such as bacteria, fungi, yeasts, algae and plants can be the catalyst bed for processing. Synthesis of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) by macro/microorganisms causes variation in morphology and shape of the particles is due to diversity of reduction enzymes in organisms. Reducing enzymes of microorganisms by changing the status of redox convert metal ions (Se 2- ) to SeNPs without charge (Se 0 ). Biological activity of SeNPs includes their protective role against DNA oxidation. Because of the biological and industrial properties, SeNPs have wide applications in the fields of medicine, microelectronic, agriculture and animal husbandry. SeNPs can show strong antimicrobial effects on the growth and proliferation of microorganisms in a dose-dependent manner. The objective of this review is to consider SeNPs applications to various organisms.

Silicon nanoparticle-functionalized fiberglass pads for sampling

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mantey, Kevin; Nayfeh, Munir H.; Al-Hreish, Bahjat

2011-03-15

We used wet treatment to immobilize luminescent silicon nanoparticles on industrial glass fibers to impart optical and chemical functions to the fiber. Carpets or pads consisting of thousands of fibers are processed in parallel, enhancing the sensitivity of detection and the sampled volume. Treated pads exhibit strong luminescence, characteristic of the luminescence of the particles; showing no shift, broadening, or reduction of quantum efficiency. We demonstrate that drawing material by the pad due to physical adsorption can be reversed. We also demonstrate that allylamine can be covalently attached by photoinduced irradiation reactions, which results in imprinting the amine emission spectrum,more » providing spectral recognition. The imprint accompanied with a blue-shifting of the luminescence spectrum of the probe, allowing examination of the effect of termination on the nanoparticle structure. The shift is found to be consistent with an increase in the bandgap of the Si nanoparticle and is consistent with Quantum Monte Carlo calculations. In addition to sampling, the nano probe pad has the potential to enable a variety of biomedical applications through subsequent attachment.« less

Advanced cathode materials for polymer electrolyte fuel cells based on pt/ metal oxides: from model electrodes to catalyst systems.

PubMed

Fabbri, Emiliana; Pătru, Alexandra; Rabis, Annett; Kötz, Rüdiger; Schmidt, Thomas J

2014-01-01

The development of stable catalyst systems for application at the cathode side of polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs) requires the substitution of the state-of-the-art carbon supports with materials showing high corrosion resistance in a strongly oxidizing environment. Metal oxides in their highest oxidation state can represent viable support materials for the next generation PEFC cathodes. In the present work a multilevel approach has been adopted to investigate the kinetics and the activity of Pt nanoparticles supported on SnO2-based metal oxides. Particularly, model electrodes made of SnO2 thin films supporting Pt nanoparticles, and porous catalyst systems made of Pt nanoparticles supported on Sb-doped SnO2 high surface area powders have been investigated. The present results indicate that SnO2-based supports do not modify the oxygen reduction reaction mechanism on the Pt nanoparticle surface, but rather lead to catalysts with enhanced specific activity compared to Pt/carbon systems. Different reasons for the enhancement in the specific activity are considered and discussed.

Structural, magnetic, and dielectric properties of multiferroic Co1-xMgxCr2O4 nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kamran, M.; Ullah, A.; Rahman, S.; Tahir, A.; Nadeem, K.; Anis ur Rehman, M.; Hussain, S.

2017-07-01

We examined the structural, magnetic, and dielectric properties of Co1-xMgxCr2O4 nanoparticles with composition x = 0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.8 and 1 in detail. X-ray diffraction (XRD) revealed normal spinel structure for all the samples. Rietveld refinement fitting results of the XRD showed no impurity phases which signifies the formation of single phase Co1-xMgxCr2O4 nanoparticles. The average crystallite size showed a peak behaviour with maxima at x = 0.6. Raman and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy also confirmed the formation of single phase normal spinel for all the samples and exhibited dominant vibrational changes for x ≥ 0.6. For x = 0 (CoCr2O4), zero field cooled/field cooled (ZFC/FC) magnetization curves showed paramagnetic (PM) to ferrimagnetic (FiM) transition at Tc = 97 K and a conical spiral magnetic order at Ts = 30 K. The end members CoCr2O4 (x = 0) and MgCr2O4 (x = 1) are FiM and antiferromagnetic (AFM), respectively. Tc and Ts showed decreasing trend with increasing x, followed by an additional AFM transition at TN = 15 K for x = 0.6. The system finally stabilized and changed to highly frustrated AFM structure at x = 1 due to formation of pure MgCr2O4. High field FC curves (5T) depicted nearly no effect on spiral magnetic state, which is attributed to strong exchange B-B magnetic interactions at low temperatures. Dielectric parameters showed a non-monotonous behaviour with Mg concentration and were explained with the help of Maxwell-Wagner model and Koop's theory. Dielectric properties were improved for nanoparticles with x = 0.6 and is attributed to their larger average crystallite size. In summary, Mg doping has significantly affects the structural, magnetic, and dielectric properties of CoCr2O4 nanoparticles, which can be attributed to variations in local magnetic exchange interactions and variation in average crystallite size of these chromite nanoparticles.

The inhibitory effect of disulfiram encapsulated PLGA NPs on tumor growth: Different administration routes.

PubMed

Fasehee, Hamidreza; Zarrinrad, Ghazaleh; Tavangar, Seyed Mohammad; Ghaffari, Seyed Hamidollah; Faghihi, Shahab

2016-06-01

The strong anticancer activity of disulfiram is hindered by its rapid degradation in blood system. A novel folate-receptor-targeted poly (lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA)-polyethylene glycol (PEG) nanoparticle (NP) is developed for encapsulation and delivery of disulfiram into breast cancer tumor using passive (EPR effect) and active (folate receptor) targeting. The anticancer activity of disulfiram and its effect on caspase-3 activity and cell cycle are studied. The administration of encapsulated PLGA NPs using intra-peritoneal, intravenous and intra-tumor routes is investigated using animal model. Disulfiram shows strong cytotoxicity against MCF7 cell line. The activity of caspase-3 inhibited with disulfiram via dose dependent manner while the drug causes cell cycle arrest in G0/G1 and S phase time-dependently. The encapsulated disulfiram shows higher activity in apoptosis induction as compared to free drug. In nontoxic dose of encapsulated disulfiram, the highest and lowest efficacy of NPs in tumor growth inhibition is observed for intravenous injection and intraperitoneal injection. It is suggested that administration of disulfiram by targeted PLGA nanoparticles using intravenous injection would present an alternative therapeutic approach for solid tumor treatment. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Hybrid ternary rice paper-manganese oxide-carbon nanotube nanocomposites for flexible supercapacitors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, Wenchao; Zhang, Kaixi; Wei, Li; Yu, Dingshan; Wei, Jun; Chen, Yuan

2013-10-01

Modern portable electronic devices create a strong demand for flexible energy storage devices. Paper based nanocomposites are attractive as sustainable materials for such applications. Here, we directly explored the hydroxyl chemistry of cellulose fibers to synthesize hybrid ternary nanocomposites, comprised of rice paper, single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and manganese oxide nanoparticles. The functional groups on cellulose fibers can react with adsorbed permanganate ions, resulting in uniform deposition of manganese oxide nanoparticles. SWCNTs coated on top of manganese oxide nanoparticles form a highly conductive network connecting individual manganese oxide particles. By using the hybrid ternary composites as electrodes, the assembled two-electrode supercapacitors demonstrated high capacitance (260.2 F g-1), energy (9.0 W h kg-1), power (59.7 kW kg-1), and cycle stability (12% drop after 3000 cycles). In addition, the nanocomposites show good strength and excellent mechanical flexibility, and their capacitance shows negligible changes after bending more than 100 times. These findings suggest that opportunities exist to further explore the rich chemistry of cellulose fibers for innovative energy applications.Modern portable electronic devices create a strong demand for flexible energy storage devices. Paper based nanocomposites are attractive as sustainable materials for such applications. Here, we directly explored the hydroxyl chemistry of cellulose fibers to synthesize hybrid ternary nanocomposites, comprised of rice paper, single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and manganese oxide nanoparticles. The functional groups on cellulose fibers can react with adsorbed permanganate ions, resulting in uniform deposition of manganese oxide nanoparticles. SWCNTs coated on top of manganese oxide nanoparticles form a highly conductive network connecting individual manganese oxide particles. By using the hybrid ternary composites as electrodes, the assembled two-electrode supercapacitors demonstrated high capacitance (260.2 F g-1), energy (9.0 W h kg-1), power (59.7 kW kg-1), and cycle stability (12% drop after 3000 cycles). In addition, the nanocomposites show good strength and excellent mechanical flexibility, and their capacitance shows negligible changes after bending more than 100 times. These findings suggest that opportunities exist to further explore the rich chemistry of cellulose fibers for innovative energy applications. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Chemical structures of functional groups on cellulose fibers, the surface water wettability of rice paper, CV curves of supercapacitors at different scan rates, galvanostatic charge-discharge curves of supercapacitors at different current densities, TGA profiles of the SWCNT-MnO2-paper composites synthesized at different temperatures, TEM images of MnO2 particles deposited on rice paper at different temperatures, photographs of supercapacitors under different bending test conditions, and a video of bending and folding the SWCNT-MnO2-paper composites. See DOI: 10.1039/c3nr03010e

CO oxidation on gold-supported iron oxides: New insights into strong oxide–metal interactions

DOE PAGES

Yu, Liang; Liu, Yun; Yang, Fan; ...

2015-07-14

Very active FeO x–Au catalysts for CO oxidation are obtained after depositing nanoparticles of FeO, Fe 3O 4, and Fe 2O 3 on a Au(111) substrate. Neither FeO nor Fe 2O 3 is stable under the reaction conditions. Under an environment of CO/O 2, they undergo oxidation (FeO) or reduction (Fe 2O 3) to yield nanoparticles of Fe 3O 4 that are not formed in a bulk phase. Using a combined experimental and theoretical approach, we show a strong oxide–metal interaction (SOMI) between Fe 3O 4 nanostructures and Au(111), which gives the oxide special properties, allows the formation of anmore » active phase, and provides a unique interface to facilitate a catalytic reaction. This work highlights the important role that the SOMI can play in enhancing the catalytic performance of the oxide component in metal–oxide catalysts.« less

Heat transfer from nanoparticles: A corresponding state analysis

PubMed Central

Merabia, Samy; Shenogin, Sergei; Joly, Laurent; Keblinski, Pawel; Barrat, Jean-Louis

2009-01-01

In this contribution, we study situations in which nanoparticles in a fluid are strongly heated, generating high heat fluxes. This situation is relevant to experiments in which a fluid is locally heated by using selective absorption of radiation by solid particles. We first study this situation for different types of molecular interactions, using models for gold particles suspended in octane and in water. As already reported in experiments, very high heat fluxes and temperature elevations (leading eventually to particle destruction) can be observed in such situations. We show that a very simple modeling based on Lennard–Jones (LJ) interactions captures the essential features of such experiments and that the results for various liquids can be mapped onto the LJ case, provided a physically justified (corresponding state) choice of parameters is made. Physically, the possibility of sustaining very high heat fluxes is related to the strong curvature of the interface that inhibits the formation of an insulating vapor film. PMID:19571000

Enhanced transparency, mechanical durability, and antibacterial activity of zinc nanoparticles on glass substrate

PubMed Central

Choi, Hyung-Jin; Choi, Jin-Seok; Park, Byeong-Ju; Eom, Ji-Ho; Heo, So-Young; Jung, Min-Wook; An, Ki-Seok; Yoon, Soon-Gil

2014-01-01

Homogeneously distributed zinc nanoparticles (NPs) on the glass substrate were investigated for the transmittance, mechanical durability, and antibacterial effect. The buffered Ti NPs between Zn NPs and glass substrate were studied for an enhancement of the transmittance and mechanical endurance. The Ti NPs buffered Zn NPs showed a high transmittance of approximately 91.5% (at a wavelength of 550 nm) and a strong antibacterial activity for Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli bacteria. The buffered Ti NPs are attractive for an excellent mechanical endurance of the Zn NPs. The Zn NPs did not require the protection layer to prevent the degradation of the performance for both the antibacterial effect and the transmittance. PMID:25183360

Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles from Catharanthus roseus leaf extract and assessing their antioxidant, antimicrobial, and wound-healing activities.

PubMed

Al-Shmgani, Hanady S A; Mohammed, Wasnaa H; Sulaiman, Ghassan M; Saadoon, Ali H

2017-09-01

Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from Catharanthus roseus leaf extract was carried out, and their characterization, as well as antioxidant, antimicrobial, and wound-healing activities were evaluated. Color change, UV-vis spectrum, XRD, FTIR, and AFM assessments supported the biosynthesis and characterization of AgNPs. The synthesized AgNPs showed strong in vitro antioxidant and antimicrobial activities against various pathogens. The in vivo assessment of wound healing in AgNPs-treated mice revealed their effectiveness in closuring and reducing size of wounds. Such potent bioactivity may justify their biomedical use as antioxidant and antimicrobial agents for controlling various health-related diseases, particularly in wound healing.

Reflectivity and transmissivity of a cavity coupled to a nanoparticle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khan, M. A.; Farooq, K.; Hou, S. C.; Niaz, Shanawer; Yi, X. X.

2014-07-01

Any dielectric nanoparticle moving inside an optical cavity generates an optomechanical interaction. In this paper, we theoretically analyze the light scattering of an optomechanical cavity which strongly interacts with a dielectric nanoparticle. The cavity is driven by an external laser field. This interaction gives rise to different dynamics that can be used to cool, trap and levitate nanoparticle. We analytically calculate reflection and transmission rate of the cavity field, and study the time evolution of the intracavity field, momentum and position of the nanoparticle. We find the nanoparticle occupies a discrete position inside the cavity. This effect can be exploited to separate nanoparticle and couplings between classical particles and quantized fields.

Polysaccharide-based bioflocculant template of a diazotrophic Bradyrhizobium japonicum 36 for controlled assembly of AgCl nanoparticles.

PubMed

Rasulov, Bakhtiyor A; Pattaeva, Mohichehra A; Yili, Abulimiti; Aisa, Haji Akber

2016-08-01

A simple and green method was developed for the biosynthesis of silver chloride nanoparticles, free from silver nanoparticles, using polysaccharide-based bioflocculant of a diazotrophic rhizobacteria Bradyrhizobium japonicum 36 strain. The synthesized silver chloride nanoparticles were characterized by UV-vis, XRD, FT-IR and TEM. The concentration-dependent and controllable method for silver chloride nanoparticles was developed. The biosynthesized silver chloride nanoparticles exhibited strong antimicrobial activity towards pathogenic microorganisms such as Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans. The synthesized silver chloride nanoparticles can be exploited as a promising new biocide bionanocomposite against pathogenic microorganisms. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Potential Theranostics Application of Bio-Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles (4-in-1 System)

PubMed Central

Mukherjee, Sudip; Chowdhury, Debabrata; Kotcherlakota, Rajesh; Patra, Sujata; B, Vinothkumar; Bhadra, Manika Pal; Sreedhar, Bojja; Patra, Chitta Ranjan

2014-01-01

In this report, we have designed a simple and efficient green chemistry approach for the synthesis of colloidal silver nanoparticles (b-AgNPs) that is formed by the reduction of silver nitrate (AgNO3) solution using Olax scandens leaf extract. The colloidal b-AgNPs, characterized by various physico-chemical techniques exhibit multifunctional biological activities (4-in-1 system). Firstly, bio-synthesized silver nanoparticles (b-AgNPs) shows enhanced antibacterial activity compared to chemically synthesize silver nanoparticles (c-AgNPs). Secondly, b-AgNPs show anti-cancer activities to different cancer cells (A549: human lung cancer cell lines, B16: mouse melanoma cell line & MCF7: human breast cancer cells) (anti-cancer). Thirdly, these nanoparticles are biocompatible to rat cardiomyoblast normal cell line (H9C2), human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and Chinese hamster ovary cells (CHO) which indicates the future application of b-AgNPs as drug delivery vehicle. Finally, the bio-synthesized AgNPs show bright red fluorescence inside the cells that could be utilized to detect the localization of drug molecules inside the cancer cells (a diagnostic approach). All results together demonstrate the multifunctional biological activities of bio-synthesized AgNPs (4-in-1 system) that could be applied as (i) anti-bacterial & (ii) anti-cancer agent, (iii) drug delivery vehicle, and (iv) imaging facilitator. To the best of our knowledge, there is not a single report of biosynthesized AgNPs that demonstrates the versatile applications (4-in-1 system) towards various biomedical applications. Additionally, a plausible mechanistic approach has been explored for the synthesis of b-AgNPs and its anti-bacterial as well as anti-cancer activity. We strongly believe that bio-synthesized AgNPs will open a new direction towards various biomedical applications in near future. PMID:24505239

Flow cytometry for intracellular SPION quantification: specificity and sensitivity in comparison with spectroscopic methods

PubMed Central

Friedrich, Ralf P; Janko, Christina; Poettler, Marina; Tripal, Philipp; Zaloga, Jan; Cicha, Iwona; Dürr, Stephan; Nowak, Johannes; Odenbach, Stefan; Slabu, Ioana; Liebl, Maik; Trahms, Lutz; Stapf, Marcus; Hilger, Ingrid; Lyer, Stefan; Alexiou, Christoph

2015-01-01

Due to their special physicochemical properties, iron nanoparticles offer new promising possibilities for biomedical applications. For bench to bedside translation of super-paramagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs), safety issues have to be comprehensively clarified. To understand concentration-dependent nanoparticle-mediated toxicity, the exact quantification of intracellular SPIONs by reliable methods is of great importance. In the present study, we compared three different SPION quantification methods (ultraviolet spectrophotometry, magnetic particle spectroscopy, atomic adsorption spectroscopy) and discussed the shortcomings and advantages of each method. Moreover, we used those results to evaluate the possibility to use flow cytometric technique to determine the cellular SPION content. For this purpose, we correlated the side scatter data received from flow cytometry with the actual cellular SPION amount. We showed that flow cytometry provides a rapid and reliable method to assess the cellular SPION content. Our data also demonstrate that internalization of iron oxide nanoparticles in human umbilical vein endothelial cells is strongly dependent to the SPION type and results in a dose-dependent increase of toxicity. Thus, treatment with lauric acid-coated SPIONs (SEONLA) resulted in a significant increase in the intensity of side scatter and toxicity, whereas SEONLA with an additional protein corona formed by bovine serum albumin (SEONLA-BSA) and commercially available Rienso® particles showed only a minimal increase in both side scatter intensity and cellular toxicity. The increase in side scatter was in accordance with the measurements for SPION content by the atomic adsorption spectroscopy reference method. In summary, our data show that flow cytometry analysis can be used for estimation of uptake of SPIONs by mammalian cells and provides a fast tool for scientists to evaluate the safety of nanoparticle products. PMID:26170658

Presence of Fluorescent Carbon Nanoparticles in Baked Lamb: Their Properties and Potential Application for Sensors.

PubMed

Wang, Haitao; Xie, Yisha; Liu, Shan; Cong, Shuang; Song, Yukun; Xu, Xianbing; Tan, Mingqian

2017-08-30

The presence of nanoparticles in food has drawn much attention in recent years. Fluorescent carbon nanoparticles are a new class of nanostructures; however, the distribution and physicochemical properties of such nanoparticles in food remain unclear. Herein, the presence of fluorescent carbon nanoparticles in baked lamb was confirmed, and their physicochemical properties were investigated. The fluorescent carbon nanoparticles from baked lamb emit strong blue fluorescence under ultraviolet light with a 10% fluorescent quantum yield. The nanoparticles are roughly spherical in appearance with a diameter of around 2.0 nm. Hydroxyl, amino, and carboxyl groups exist on the surface of nanoparticles. In addition, the nanoparticles could serve as a fluorescence sensor for glucose detection through an oxidation-reduction reaction. This work is the first report on fluorescent carbon nanoparticles present in baked lamb, which provides valuable insight into the physicochemical properties of such nanoparticles and their potential application in sensors.

Facile preparation of uniform FeSe2 nanoparticles for PA/MR dual-modal imaging and photothermal cancer therapy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fu, Tingting; Chen, Yuyan; Hao, Jiali; Wang, Xiaoyong; Liu, Gang; Li, Yonggang; Liu, Zhuang; Cheng, Liang

2015-12-01

Recently, magnetic photothermal nanomaterials have emerged as a new class of bio-nanomaterials for application in cancer diagnosis and therapy. Hence, we developed a new kind of magnetic nanomaterials, iron diselenide (FeSe2) nanoparticles, for multimodal imaging-guided photothermal therapy (PTT) to improve the efficacy of cancer treatment. By controlling the reaction time and temperature, FeSe2 nanoparticles were synthesized by a simple solution-phase method. After modification with polyethylene glycol (PEG), the obtained FeSe2-PEG nanoparticles showed high stability under various physiological conditions. FeSe2-PEG could serve as a T2-weighted magnetic resonance (MR) imaging contrast agent because of its strong superparamagnetic properties, with its r2 relaxivity determined to be 133.38 mM-1 S-1, a value higher than that of the clinically used Feridex. On the other hand, with high absorbance in the near-infrared (NIR) region, FeSe2-PEG also appeared to be a useful contrast agent for photoacoustic imaging (PA) as well as an effective photothermal agent for PTT cancer treatment, as demonstrated in our animal tumor model experiments. Moreover, long-term toxicity tests have proven that FeSe2-PEG nanoparticles after systematic administration rendered no appreciable toxicity to the treated animals, and could be gradually excreted from the major organs of mice. Our work indicates that FeSe2-PEG nanoparticles would be a new class of theranostic agents promising for application in bioimaging and cancer therapy.Recently, magnetic photothermal nanomaterials have emerged as a new class of bio-nanomaterials for application in cancer diagnosis and therapy. Hence, we developed a new kind of magnetic nanomaterials, iron diselenide (FeSe2) nanoparticles, for multimodal imaging-guided photothermal therapy (PTT) to improve the efficacy of cancer treatment. By controlling the reaction time and temperature, FeSe2 nanoparticles were synthesized by a simple solution-phase method. After modification with polyethylene glycol (PEG), the obtained FeSe2-PEG nanoparticles showed high stability under various physiological conditions. FeSe2-PEG could serve as a T2-weighted magnetic resonance (MR) imaging contrast agent because of its strong superparamagnetic properties, with its r2 relaxivity determined to be 133.38 mM-1 S-1, a value higher than that of the clinically used Feridex. On the other hand, with high absorbance in the near-infrared (NIR) region, FeSe2-PEG also appeared to be a useful contrast agent for photoacoustic imaging (PA) as well as an effective photothermal agent for PTT cancer treatment, as demonstrated in our animal tumor model experiments. Moreover, long-term toxicity tests have proven that FeSe2-PEG nanoparticles after systematic administration rendered no appreciable toxicity to the treated animals, and could be gradually excreted from the major organs of mice. Our work indicates that FeSe2-PEG nanoparticles would be a new class of theranostic agents promising for application in bioimaging and cancer therapy. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c5nr06840a

Synthesis of Ferrofluids Made of Iron Oxide Nanoflowers: Interplay between Carrier Fluid and Magnetic Properties

PubMed Central

Dughiero, Fabrizio; Forzan, Michele; Bertani, Roberta

2017-01-01

Ferrofluids are nanomaterials consisting of magnetic nanoparticles that are dispersed in a carrier fluid. Their physical properties, and hence their field of application are determined by intertwined compositional, structural, and magnetic characteristics, including interparticle magnetic interactions. Magnetic nanoparticles were prepared by thermal decomposition of iron(III) chloride hexahydrate (FeCl3·6H2O) in 2-pyrrolidone, and were then dispersed in two different fluids, water and polyethylene glycol 400 (PEG). A number of experimental techniques (especially, transmission electron microscopy, Mössbauer spectroscopy and superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) magnetometry) were employed to study both the as-prepared nanoparticles and the ferrofluids. We show that, with the adopted synthesis parameters of temperature and FeCl3 relative concentration, nanoparticles are obtained that mainly consist of maghemite and present a high degree of structural disorder and strong spin canting, resulting in a low saturation magnetization (~45 emu/g). A remarkable feature is that the nanoparticles, ultimately due to the presence of 2-pyrrolidone at their surface, are arranged in nanoflower-shape structures, which are substantially stable in water and tend to disaggregate in PEG. The different arrangement of the nanoparticles in the two fluids implies a different strength of dipolar magnetic interactions, as revealed by the analysis of their magnetothermal behavior. The comparison between the magnetic heating capacities of the two ferrofluids demonstrates the possibility of tailoring the performances of the produced nanoparticles by exploiting the interplay with the carrier fluid. PMID:29113079

Synthesis of Ferrofluids Made of Iron Oxide Nanoflowers: Interplay between Carrier Fluid and Magnetic Properties.

PubMed

Spizzo, Federico; Sgarbossa, Paolo; Sieni, Elisabetta; Semenzato, Alessandra; Dughiero, Fabrizio; Forzan, Michele; Bertani, Roberta; Del Bianco, Lucia

2017-11-05

Ferrofluids are nanomaterials consisting of magnetic nanoparticles that are dispersed in a carrier fluid. Their physical properties, and hence their field of application are determined by intertwined compositional, structural, and magnetic characteristics, including interparticle magnetic interactions. Magnetic nanoparticles were prepared by thermal decomposition of iron(III) chloride hexahydrate (FeCl₃·6H₂O) in 2-pyrrolidone, and were then dispersed in two different fluids, water and polyethylene glycol 400 (PEG). A number of experimental techniques (especially, transmission electron microscopy, Mössbauer spectroscopy and superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) magnetometry) were employed to study both the as-prepared nanoparticles and the ferrofluids. We show that, with the adopted synthesis parameters of temperature and FeCl₃ relative concentration, nanoparticles are obtained that mainly consist of maghemite and present a high degree of structural disorder and strong spin canting, resulting in a low saturation magnetization (~45 emu/g). A remarkable feature is that the nanoparticles, ultimately due to the presence of 2-pyrrolidone at their surface, are arranged in nanoflower-shape structures, which are substantially stable in water and tend to disaggregate in PEG. The different arrangement of the nanoparticles in the two fluids implies a different strength of dipolar magnetic interactions, as revealed by the analysis of their magnetothermal behavior. The comparison between the magnetic heating capacities of the two ferrofluids demonstrates the possibility of tailoring the performances of the produced nanoparticles by exploiting the interplay with the carrier fluid.

Efficient Production of Retroviruses Using PLGA/bPEI-DNA Nanoparticles and Application for Reprogramming Somatic Cells

PubMed Central

Do, Eun Kyoung; Cheon, Hyo Cheon; Heo, Soon Chul; Kwon, Yang Woo; Jeong, Geun Ok; Kim, Ba Reun; Kim, Jae Ho

2013-01-01

Reprogramming of somatic cells to pluripotent cells requires the introduction of factors driving fate switches. Viral delivery has been the most efficient method for generation of induced pluripotent stem cells. Transfection, which precedes virus production, is a commonly-used process for delivery of nucleic acids into cells. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficiency of PLGA/ bPEI nanoparticles in transfection and virus production. Using a modified method of producing PLGA nanoparticles, PLGA/bPEI-DNA nanoparticles were examined for transfection efficiency and virus production yield in comparison with PLGA-DNA, bPEI-DNA nanoparticles or liposome-DNA complexes. After testing various ratios of PLGA, bPEI, and DNA, the ratio of 6:3:1 (PLGA:bPEI:DNA, w/w/w) was determined to be optimal, with acceptable cellular toxicity. PLGA/bPEI-DNA (6:3:1) nanoparticles showed superior transfection efficiency, especially in multiple gene transfection, and viral yield when compared with liposome-DNA complexes. The culture supernatants of HEK293FT cells transfected with PLGA/bPEI-DNA of viral constructs containing reprogramming factors (Oct4, Sox2, Klf4, or c-Myc) successfully and more efficiently generated induced pluripotent stem cell colonies from mouse embryonic fibroblasts. These results strongly suggest that PLGA/bPEI-DNA nanoparticles can provide significant advantages in studying the effect of multiple factor delivery such as in reprogramming or direct conversion of cell fate. PMID:24098810

Antimicrobial effects of gold/copper sulphide (Gold/Copper monosulfide) core/shell nanoparticles on Bacillus anthracis spores and cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Addae, Ebenezer

Bacillus anthracis is a gram positive, rod shaped and spore forming bacteria. It causes anthrax, a deadly human and animal disease that can kill its victims in three days. The spores of B. anthracis can survive extreme environmental conditions for decades and germinate when exposed to proper conditions. Due to its potential as a bio-weapon, effective disinfectants that pose less harm to the environment and animals are urgently needed. Metal nanoparticles have the potential of killing microbial cells and spores. We present here the effect of Gold/Copper Sulphide core/shell (Au/CuS) nanoparticles on B. anthracis cells and spores. The results indicated that the continuous presence of 0.83 microM during the spore growth in nutrient medium completely inhibited spore outgrowth. Au/CuS nanoparticles at concentration of 4.15 μM completely inactivated B. anthracis cells (x 107) after 30 min of pre-treatment in any of the three buffers including water, PBS, and nutrient broth. However, the same and even higher concentrations of nanoparticles produce no significant spore (x 105) killing after 24 h of pre-treatment. SEM imaging, EDS analysis, and DNA extrusion experiments revealed that nanoparticles damaged the cell membrane causing DNA and cytosolic content efflux and eventually cell death. The study demonstrated the strong antimicrobial activity of Au/CuS nanoparticles to B. anthracis cells and revealed that Au/CuS NPs showed more effective inactivation effect against the cells than they did against the spores.

Evaluating mononuclear cells as nanoparticle delivery vehicles for the treatment of breast tumors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Murton, Jaclyn K.; Hu, Chelin; Ahmed, Mona M.; Hathaway, Helen J.; Nysus, Monique; Anderson Daniels, Tamara; Norenberg, Jeffrey P.; Adolphi, Natalie L.

2015-08-01

In breast cancer, certain types of circulating immune cells respond to long-range chemical signals from tumors by leaving the blood stream to actively infiltrate tumor tissue. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether immune cells could be used to deliver therapeutic nanoparticles into breast tumors in mice. Mononuclear splenocytes (MS) were harvested from donor mice, labeled with Indium-111, injected intravenously into immune-competent recipient mice (3 tumor-bearing and 3 control), and imaged longitudinally by SPECT/CT. For comparison, the biodistribution of bonemarrow derived macrophages (BMDM) in one pair of mice was also imaged. Quantitative analysis of the SPECT images demonstrates that, after 24 hours, the concentration of MS detected in mammary tumors is more than 3-fold higher than the concentration detected in normal mammary glands. The ratio of MS concentration in mammary tissue to MS concentration in non-target tissues (muscle, lung, heart, liver, spleen, and kidney) was enhanced in tumor-bearing mice (compared to controls), with statistical significance achieved for mammary/muscle (p<0.01), mammary/lung (p<0.05), and mammary/kidney (p<0.05). By contrast, BMDM did not show a different affinity for tumors relative to normal mammary tissue. MS were incubated with 100 nm red fluorescent nanoparticles, and flow cytometry demonstrated that ~35% of the MS population exhibited strong phagocytic uptake of the nanoparticles. After intravenous injection into tumor-bearing mice, fluorescence microscopy images of tumor sections show qualitatively that nanoparticle-loaded MS retain the ability to infiltrate mammary tumors. Taken together, these results suggest that MS carriers are capable of actively targeting therapeutic nanoparticles to breast tumors.

Mixed pinning landscape in nanoparticle-introduced YGdBa2Cu3Oy films grown by metal organic deposition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Miura, M.; Maiorov, B.; Baily, S. A.; Haberkorn, N.; Willis, J. O.; Marken, K.; Izumi, T.; Shiohara, Y.; Civale, L.

2011-05-01

We study the field (H) and temperature (T) dependence of the critical current density (Jc) and irreversibility field (Hirr) at different field orientations in Y0.77Gd0.23Ba2Cu3Oy with randomly distributed BaZrO3 nanoparticles (YGdBCO+BZO) and YBa2Cu3Oy (YBCO) films. Both MOD films have large RE2Cu2O5 (225) nanoparticles (˜80 nm in diameter) and a high density of twin boundaries (TB). In addition, YGdBCO+BZO films have a high density of BZO nanoparticles (˜25 nm in diameter). At high temperatures (T > 40 K), the superconducting properties, such as Jc, Hirr, and flux creep rates, are greatly affected by the BZO nanoparticles, while at low temperatures the superconducting properties of both the YBCO and YGdBCO+BZO films show similar field and temperature dependencies. In particular, while the Jc of YBCO films follow a power-law dependence (∝H-α) at all measured T, this dependence is only followed at low T for YGdBCO+BZO films. As a function of T, the YGdBCO+BZO film shows Jc(T,0.01T)~[1-(T/Tc)2]n with n ˜ 1.24 ± 0.05, which points to “δTc pinning.” We analyze the role of different types of defects in the different temperature regimes and find that the strong pinning of the BZO nanoparticles yields a higher Hirr and improved Jc along the c axis and at intermediate orientations at high T. The mixed pinning landscapes due to the presence of disorder of various dimensionalities have an important role in the improvement of in-field properties.

Core–shell Ag@SiO{sub 2} nanoparticles of different silica shell thicknesses: Preparation and their effects on photoluminescence of lanthanide complexes

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kang, Jie; Li, Yuan; Chen, Yingnan

Highlights: • Ag@SiO{sub 2} nanoparticles of different silica shell thicknesses were prepared via the Stöber process. • Sm and Dy complexes with benzoate, 1,10-phenanthroline and 2,2′-bipyridine were synthesized. • The complex-doped Ag@SiO{sub 2} composites show stronger luminescent intensities than pure complexes. • The luminescent intensities of the composites strongly depend on the SiO{sub 2} shell thickness. - Abstract: Three kinds of almost spherical core–shell Ag@SiO{sub 2} nanoparticles of different silica shell thicknesses (10, 25 and 80 nm) were prepared via the Stöber process. The Ag core nanoparticles were prepared by reducing silver nitrate with sodium citrate. The size, morphology andmore » structure of core–shell Ag@SiO{sub 2} nanoparticles were characterized by transmission electron microscopy. Subsequently, eight kinds of lanthanide complexes with benzoate, 1,10-phenanthroline and 2,2′-bipyridine were synthesized. The composition of the lanthanide complexes was characterized by elemental analysis, IR and UV spectra. Finally, lanthanide complexes were attached to the surface of Ag@SiO{sub 2} nanoparticles to form lanthanide-complex-doped Ag@SiO{sub 2} nanocomposites. The results show that the complex-doped Ag@SiO{sub 2} nanocomposites display much stronger luminescence intensities than the lanthanide complexes. Furthermore, the luminescence intensities of the lanthanide-complex-doped Ag@SiO{sub 2} nanocomposites with SiO{sub 2} shell thickness of 25 nm are stronger than those of the nanocomposites with SiO{sub 2} shell thickness of 10 and 80 nm.« less

Efficient photocatalytic degradation of rhodamine-B by Fe doped CuS diluted magnetic semiconductor nanoparticles under the simulated sunlight irradiation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sreelekha, N.; Subramanyam, K.; Amaranatha Reddy, D.; Murali, G.; Rahul Varma, K.; Vijayalakshmi, R. P.

2016-12-01

The present work is planned for a simple, inexpensive and efficient approach for the synthesis of Cu1-xFexS (x = 0.00, 0.01, 0.03, 0.05 and 0.07) nanoparticles via simplistic chemical co-precipitation route by using ethylene diamine tetra acetic acid (EDTA) as a capping molecules. As synthesized nanoparticles were used as competent catalysts for degradation of rhodamine-B organic dye pollutant. The properties of prepared samples were analyzed with energy dispersive analysis of X-rays (EDAX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), UV-visible optical absorption spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra, Raman spectra and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). EDAX spectra corroborated the existence of Fe in prepared nanoparticles within close proximity to stoichiometric ratio. XRD, FTIR and Raman patterns affirmed that configuration of single phase hexagonal crystal structure as that of (P63/mmc) CuS, without impurity crystals. The average particle size estimated by TEM scrutiny is in the assortment of 5-10 nm. UV-visible optical absorption measurements showed that band gap narrowing with increasing the Fe doping concentration. VSM measurements revealed that 3% Fe doped CuS nanoparticles exhibited strong ferromagnetism at room temperature and changeover of magnetic signs from ferromagnetic to the paramagnetic nature with increasing the Fe doping concentration in CuS host lattice. Among all Fe doped CuS nanoparticles, 3% Fe inclusion CuS sample shows better photocatalytic performance in decomposition of RhB compared with the pristine CuS. Thus as synthesized Cu0·97Fe0·03S nanocatalysts are tremendously realistic compounds for photocatalytic fictionalization in the direction of organic dye degradation under visible light.

Chronic impacts of TiO2 nanoparticles on Populus nigra L. leaf decomposition in freshwater ecosystem.

PubMed

Du, Jingjing; Zhang, Yuyan; Guo, Wei; Li, Ningyun; Gao, Chaoshuai; Cui, Minghui; Lin, Zhongdian; Wei, Mingbao; Zhang, Hongzhong

2018-05-15

Titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ) nanoparticles have been applied in diverse commercial products, which could lead to toxic effects on aquatic microbes and would inhibit some important ecosystem processes. The study aimed to investigate the chronic impacts of TiO 2 nanoparticles with different concentrations (5, 50, and 500 mg L -1 ) on Populus nigra L. leaf decomposition in the freshwater ecosystem. After 50 d of decomposing, a significant decrease in decomposition rates was observed with higher concentrations of TiO 2 nanoparticles. During the period of litter decomposition, exposure of TiO 2 nanoparticles led to decreases in extracellular enzyme activities, which was caused by the reduction of microbial especially fungal biomass. In addition, the diversity and composition of the fungal community associated with litter decomposition were strongly affected by the concentrations of TiO 2 nanoparticles. The diversity and composition of the fungal community associated with litter decomposition was strongly affected. The abundance of Tricladium chaetocladium decreased with the increasing concentrations of TiO 2 nanoparticles, indicating the little contribution of the species to the litter decomposition. In conclusion, this study provided the evidence for the chronic exposure effects of TiO 2 nanoparticles on the litter decomposition and further the functions of freshwater ecosystems. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Formation mechanism of monodispersed spherical core-shell ceria/polymer hybrid nanoparticles

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Izu, Noriya, E-mail: n-izu@aist.go.jp; Uchida, Toshio; Matsubara, Ichiro

2011-08-15

Graphical abstract: The formation mechanism for core-shell nanoparticles is considered to be as follows: nucleation and particle growth occur simultaneously (left square); very slow particle growth occurs (middle square). Highlights: {yields} The size of the resultant nanoparticles was strongly and complicatedly dependent on the set temperature used during reflux heating and the PVP molecular weight. {yields} The size of the nanoparticles increased by a 2-step process as the reflux heating time increased. {yields} The IR spectral changes with increasing reflux time indicated the increase in the number of cross-linked polymers in the shell. -- Abstract: Very unique core-shell ceria (ceriummore » oxide)/polymer hybrid nanoparticles that have monodispersed spherical structures and are easily dispersed in water or alcohol without the need for a dispersant were reported recently. The formation mechanism of the unique nanoparticles, however, was not clear. In order to clarify the formation mechanism, these nanoparticles were prepared using a polyol method (reflux heating) under varied conditions of temperature, time, and concentration and molecular weight of added polymer (poly(vinylpyrrolidone)). The size of the resultant nanoparticles was strongly and complicatedly dependent on the set temperature used during reflux heating and the poly(vinylpyrrolidone) molecular weight. Furthermore, the size of the nanoparticles increased by a 2-step process as the reflux heating time increased. The IR spectral changes with increasing reflux time indicated the increase in the number of cross-linked polymers in the shell. From these results, the formation mechanism was discussed and proposed.« less

Green chemistry focus on optimization of silver nanoparticles using response surface methodology (RSM) and mosquitocidal activity: Anopheles stephensi (Diptera: Culicidae).

PubMed

Ondari Nyakundi, Erick; Padmanabhan, M Nalini

2015-01-01

There is an exigent necessity for development of environmental friendly bio-control agent(s) for elimination of mosquito due to increased resistance resurgence against synthetic control agents. Mosquito control strategy will lay a strong foundation to malaria exclusion or it can be curbed to certain level especially in the developing nations. In this study, silver nanoparticles were synthesized by green chemistry approach using Tridax procumbens leaf extract as a reducing agent. The reaction medium involved in the synthesis process was optimized by statistical experimental design using response surface methodology to obtain better yield, uniform size, shape and stability. Further, these synthesized nanoparticles were confirmed through UV-Visible, FT-IR spectroscopy, PSA and SEM Subsequently, the bioefficacy of these particles were investigated on Anopheles stephensi for larvicidal and pupicidal activity. Interestingly, time period of 90 min, temperature of 76±2 °C, pH 7.2±2, 2 mM silver nitrate (AgNO3), 3mM PEG and 2mM PVP showed excellent parameters for bioprocess design for large scale production of stabilized nanoparticles. A concentration of 5 ppm of PVP stabilized nanoparticles exhibited 100% mortality. Thus, the obtained results clearly suggest that silver nanoparticles stabilized by PEG and PVP may have important function as stabilizers, dispersants as well as larvicides for mosquito control. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Green synthesized nanoparticles in the fight against mosquito-borne diseases and cancer-a brief review.

PubMed

Benelli, Giovanni

2016-12-01

Nanobiomedicine and parasitology are facing a number of key challenges, which mostly deal with the paucity of effective preventive and curative tools against mosquito-borne diseases and cancer. In this scenario, the employ of botanical and invertebrate extracts as reducing, stabilizing and capping agents for the synthesis of nanoparticles is advantageous over chemical and physical methods, since it is one-pot, cheap, and does not require high pressure, energy, temperature, or the use of highly toxic chemicals. Considering the overlooked connection between mosquito vector activity and the spread of cancer in USA, this review focused on the current knowledge available about green synthesized nanoparticles with efficacy against mosquito-borne diseases and cancer. Green fabricated metal nanoparticles showed antiplasmodial activity that often encompasses the efficacy of currently marked drugs for malaria treatment. They have been also reported as growth inhibitors against dengue virus (serotype DEN-2), with moderate cytotoxicity on mammalian cells. However, this feature is strongly dependent to the botanical agents employed during nanosynthesis. In addition, green nanoparticles have been successfully used to reduce mosquito young instar populations in the field. The final section focuses on some issues for future research, with special reference to the chemical standardization of the botanical extracts used for nanosynthesis and the potential effects on green fabricated nanoparticles on non-target organisms. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Synthesis, characterization and evaluation of the photocatalytic performance of Ag-CdMoO{sub 4} solar light driven plasmonic photocatalyst

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Adhikari, Rajesh; Malla, Shova; Gyawali, Gobinda

2013-09-01

Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • Ag-CdMoO{sub 4} solar light driven photocatalyst was successfully synthesized. • Photocatalyst exhibited strong absorption in the visible region. • Photocatalytic activity was significantly enhanced. • Enhanced activity was caused by the SPR effect induced by Ag nanoparticles. - Abstract: Ag-CdMoO{sub 4} plasmonic photocatalyst was synthesized in ethanol/water mixture by photo assisted co-precipitation method at room temperature. As synthesized powders were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), UV–Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area analyzer. Photocatalytic activity was evaluated by performing the degradation experiment over methylenemore » blue (MB) and indigo carmine (IC) as model dyes under simulated solar light irradiation. The results revealed that the Ag-CdMoO{sub 4} showed the higher photocatalytic performance as compared to CdMoO{sub 4} nanoparticles. Dispersion of Ag nanoparticles over the surface of CdMoO{sub 4} nanoparticles causes the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and enhances the broad absorption in the entire visible region of the solar spectrum. Hence, dispersion of Ag nanoparticles over CdMoO{sub 4} nanoparticles could be the better alternative to enhance the absorption of visible light by scheelite crystal family for effective photocatalysis.« less

Preparation of biocompatible copolymeric micelles as a carrier of atorvastatin and rosuvastatin for potential anticancer activity study.

PubMed

Hamidreza Kheiri, Manjili; Alimohammadi, Niusha; Danafar, Hossein

2018-05-18

Statins are widely used for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia. However, their inhibitory action on HMG-CoA reductase also results in the depletion of intermediate biosynthetic products, which importantly contribute to cell proliferation. The aim of the present study was to compare the effects of the individual commercially available statins on investigational breast cancer. Thus, in this study, biodegradable polymeric micelles as carrier of statins were prepared using biodegradable copolymers (PCL-PEG-PCL). These nanoparticles were prepared with two statins (atorvastatin and rosuvastatin) and drug loading, release, kinetic release, and anti-cancer activity of these drugs were studied. The triblock copolymer PCL-PEG-PCL was synthesized by a ring opening polymerization of e-caprolactone in the presence of PEG as the initiator and Sn(oct) 2 as the catalyst. The synthesized copolymers and nanoparticles were characterized by FTIR, HNMR, GPC, DLS, and AFM analyses. The drug loading and release of drugs were studied by UV-Vis. Additionally, MTT assays on HFF-2 cell lines were performed for determination of biocompatibility of micelles. Finally, the anticancer activity of micelles was studied on MCF-7 breast cancer cell lines. The results showed that the average diameter of nanoparticles was less than 45 nm. The loading capacity of atorvastatin and rosuvastatin was 20.0 ± 1.01% and 13.21 ± 1.18%, respectively, and encapsulation efficiency of atorvastatin and rosuvastatin was 88.19 ± 1.11% and 69.32 ± 0.23%, respectively. The results showed strong and dose-dependent inhibition of cell (MCF-7line) growth by the nanoparticles compared with statins. The result of cell viability assay on the MCF-7 cell line verified that the bare nanoparticles showed little inherent cytotoxicity whereas the statins-loaded nanoparticles were cytotoxic.

Magnetic-luminescent cerium-doped gadolinium aluminum garnet nanoparticles for simultaneous imaging and photodynamic therapy of cancer cells.

PubMed

Jain, Akhil; Koyani, Rina; Muñoz, Carlos; Sengar, Prakhar; Contreras, Oscar E; Juárez, Patricia; Hirata, Gustavo A

2018-04-27

Nanoparticle (NP) and photosensitizer (PS) conjugates capable of X-ray photodynamic therapy (X-PDT) are a research focus due to their potential applications in cancer treatment. Combined with X-PDT, appropriate imaging properties of the nanocomposite will make it suitable for theranostics of deep lying tumors. In this work, we describe the development of magnetic-luminescent Gd 2.98 Ce 0.02 Al 5 O 12 nanoparticles (GAG) coated with mesoporous silica (mSiO 2 ) and loaded with rose bengal (RB) to yield a nanocomposite GAG@mSiO 2 @RB capable of X-PDT. GAG nanoparticles were synthesized using the sol-gel method. The synthesized GAG nanoparticles showed a strong visible yellow emission with a quantum yield of ∼32%. Moreover, the broad emission spectra of GAG nanoparticles centered at 585 nm showed a good overlap with the absorption of RB. Upon irradiation with X-rays (55 KV), the GAG@mSiO 2 @RB nanocomposite produced significantly higher singlet oxygen compared with RB alone, as confirmed by the 1,2-diphenylisobenzofuran (DPBF) assay. The developed GAG@mSiO 2 @RB nanocomposite significantly reduced the viability of human breast cancer (MDA-MB-231) cells upon irradiation with blue light (λ = 470 nm). The calculated LC 50 of GAG@mSiO 2 @RB nanocomposites were 26.69, 11.2, and 6.56 µg/mL at a dose of ∼0.16, 0.33 and 0.5 J/cm 2 , respectively. Moreover, the nanocomposite showed paramagnetic properties with high magnetic mass susceptibility which are useful for high contrast T 1 weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Together with X-PDT, the paramagnetic properties of the proposed GAG@mSiO 2 @RB nanocomposite system are promising for their future application in simultaneous detection and treatment of deep-lying tumors. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Behavior of TiO₂ nanoparticles during incineration of solid paint waste: a lab-scale test.

PubMed

Massari, Andrea; Beggio, Marta; Hreglich, Sandro; Marin, Riccardo; Zuin, Stefano

2014-10-01

In order to assess the potential impacts posed by products containing engineered nanoparticles, it is essential to generate more data about the release of these particles from products' life cycle. Although first studies were performed to investigate the release of nanoparticles from use phase, very few data are available on the potential release from recycling or disposal of nano-enhanced products. In this work, we investigated the behavior of TiO2 nanoparticles from incineration of solid paint waste containing these particles. Solid paint debris with and without TiO2 nanoparticles were treated in a lab scale incineration plant at 950°C (combustion temperature) and in oxidizing atmosphere. The obtained ashes were also vitrified with additives and the release of Ti was finally evaluated by leaching test. From our incineration lab-scale experiment, we did not observe a release of TiO2 nanoparticles into the atmosphere, and Ti was attached to the surface of obtained solid residues (i.e. ashes). The characterization of ashes showed that TiO2 nanoparticles reacted during the incineration to give calcium titanate. Finally, a very low release of Ti was measured, less 1 mg/kg, during the leaching test of ashes vitrified with glass cullet and feldspathic inert. Our work suggests that TiO2 nanoparticles added in paints may undergo to physicochemical transformation during the incineration, and that Ti found in ashes may be strongly immobilized in glass matrix. Since this conclusion is based on lab-scale experiment, further research is required to identify which nanoparticles will be emitted to the environment from a real-word-incineration system of household hazardous waste. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Gold silver alloy nanoparticles (GSAN): an imaging probe for breast cancer screening with dual-energy mammography or computed tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Naha, Pratap C.; Lau, Kristen C.; Hsu, Jessica C.; Hajfathalian, Maryam; Mian, Shaameen; Chhour, Peter; Uppuluri, Lahari; McDonald, Elizabeth S.; Maidment, Andrew D. A.; Cormode, David P.

2016-07-01

Earlier detection of breast cancer reduces mortality from this disease. As a result, the development of better screening techniques is a topic of intense interest. Contrast-enhanced dual-energy mammography (DEM) is a novel technique that has improved sensitivity for cancer detection. However, the development of contrast agents for this technique is in its infancy. We herein report gold-silver alloy nanoparticles (GSAN) that have potent DEM contrast properties and improved biocompatibility. GSAN formulations containing a range of gold : silver ratios and capped with m-PEG were synthesized and characterized using various analytical methods. DEM and computed tomography (CT) phantom imaging showed that GSAN produced robust contrast that was comparable to silver alone. Cell viability, reactive oxygen species generation and DNA damage results revealed that the formulations with 30% or higher gold content are cytocompatible to Hep G2 and J774A.1 cells. In vivo imaging was performed in mice with and without breast tumors. The results showed that GSAN produce strong DEM and CT contrast and accumulated in tumors. Furthermore, both in vivo imaging and ex vivo analysis indicated the excretion of GSAN via both urine and feces. In summary, GSAN produce strong DEM and CT contrast, and has potential for both blood pool imaging and for breast cancer screening.Earlier detection of breast cancer reduces mortality from this disease. As a result, the development of better screening techniques is a topic of intense interest. Contrast-enhanced dual-energy mammography (DEM) is a novel technique that has improved sensitivity for cancer detection. However, the development of contrast agents for this technique is in its infancy. We herein report gold-silver alloy nanoparticles (GSAN) that have potent DEM contrast properties and improved biocompatibility. GSAN formulations containing a range of gold : silver ratios and capped with m-PEG were synthesized and characterized using various analytical methods. DEM and computed tomography (CT) phantom imaging showed that GSAN produced robust contrast that was comparable to silver alone. Cell viability, reactive oxygen species generation and DNA damage results revealed that the formulations with 30% or higher gold content are cytocompatible to Hep G2 and J774A.1 cells. In vivo imaging was performed in mice with and without breast tumors. The results showed that GSAN produce strong DEM and CT contrast and accumulated in tumors. Furthermore, both in vivo imaging and ex vivo analysis indicated the excretion of GSAN via both urine and feces. In summary, GSAN produce strong DEM and CT contrast, and has potential for both blood pool imaging and for breast cancer screening. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Reactive oxygen species generation and DNA damage methods, stability of GSAN in PBS, step phantom images and a DEM image of a gold nanoparticle phantom, GSAN CT phantom results. See DOI: 10.1039/c6nr02618d

Microwave hydrothermal synthesis and upconversion properties of Yb3+/Er3+ doped YVO4 nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kshetri, Yuwaraj K.; Regmi, Chhabilal; Kim, Hak-Soo; Wohn Lee, Soo; Kim, Tae-Ho

2018-05-01

Yb3+ and Er3+ doped YVO4 (Yb3+/Er3+:YVO4) nanoparticles with highly efficient near-infrared to visible upconversion properties have been synthesized by microwave hydrothermal process. Uniform-sized Yb3+/Er3+:YVO4 nanoparticles were synthesized within 1 h at 140 °C which is relatively faster than the conventional hydrothermal process. Under 980 nm laser excitation, strong green and less strong red emissions are observed which are attributed to 2H11/2, 4S3/2 to 4I15/2 and 4F9/2 to 4I15/2 transitions of Er3+ respectively. The emission intensity is found to depend strongly on the concentration of Yb3+. The quadratic dependence of upconversion intensity on the excitation power indicates that the upconversion process is governed by two-photon absorption process.

Microwave hydrothermal synthesis and upconversion properties of Yb3+/Er3+ doped YVO4 nanoparticles.

PubMed

Kshetri, Yuwaraj K; Regmi, Chhabilal; Kim, Hak-Soo; Lee, Soo Wohn; Kim, Tae-Ho

2018-05-18

Yb 3+ and Er 3+ doped YVO 4 (Yb 3+ /Er 3+ :YVO 4 ) nanoparticles with highly efficient near-infrared to visible upconversion properties have been synthesized by microwave hydrothermal process. Uniform-sized Yb 3+ /Er 3+ :YVO 4 nanoparticles were synthesized within 1 h at 140 °C which is relatively faster than the conventional hydrothermal process. Under 980 nm laser excitation, strong green and less strong red emissions are observed which are attributed to 2 H 11/2 , 4 S 3/2 to 4 I 15/2 and 4 F 9/2 to 4 I 15/2 transitions of Er 3+ respectively. The emission intensity is found to depend strongly on the concentration of Yb 3+ . The quadratic dependence of upconversion intensity on the excitation power indicates that the upconversion process is governed by two-photon absorption process.

Cavity QED analysis of an exciton-plasmon hybrid molecule via the generalized nonlocal optical response method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hapuarachchi, Harini; Premaratne, Malin; Bao, Qiaoliang; Cheng, Wenlong; Gunapala, Sarath D.; Agrawal, Govind P.

2017-06-01

A metal nanoparticle coupled to a semiconductor quantum dot forms a tunable hybrid system which exhibits remarkable optical phenomena. Small metal nanoparticles possess nanocavitylike optical concentration capabilities due to the presence of strong dipolar excitation modes in the form of localized surface plasmons. Semiconductor quantum dots have strong luminescent capabilities widely used in many applications such as biosensing. When a quantum dot is kept in the vicinity of a metal nanoparticle, a dipole-dipole coupling occurs between the two nanoparticles giving rise to various optical signatures in the scattered spectra. This coupling makes the two nanoparticles behave like a single hybrid molecule. Hybrid molecules made of metal nanoparticles (MNPs) and quantum dots (QDs) under the influence of an external driving field have been extensively studied in literature, using the local response approximation (LRA). However, such previous work in this area was not adequate to explain some experimental observations such as the size-dependent resonance shift of metal nanoparticles which becomes quite significant with decreasing diameter. The nonlocal response of metallic nanostructures which is hitherto disregarded by such studies is a main reason for such nonclassical effects. The generalized nonlocal optical response (GNOR) model provides a computationally less-demanding path to incorporate such properties into the theoretical models. It allows unified theoretical explanation of observed experimental phenomena which previously seemed to require ab initio microscopic theory. In this paper, we analyze the hybrid molecule in an external driving field as an open quantum system using a cavity-QED approach. In the process, we quantum mechanically model the dipole moment operator and the dipole response field of the metal nanoparticle taking the nonlocal effects into account. We observe that the spectra resulting from the GNOR based model effectively demonstrate the experimentally observed size dependent amplitude scaling, linewidth broadening, and resonance shift phenomena compared to the respective LRA counterparts. Then, we provide a comparison between our suggested GNOR based cavity-QED model and the conventional LRA model, where it becomes evident that our analytical model provides a close match to the experimentally suggested behavior. Furthermore, we show that the Rayleigh scattering spectra of the MNP-QD hybrid molecule possess an asymmetric Fano interference pattern that is tunable to suit various applications.

Antibacterial Efficacy of Polysaccharide Capped Silver Nanoparticles Is Not Compromised by AcrAB-TolC Efflux Pump

PubMed Central

Mishra, Mitali; Kumar, Satish; Majhi, Rakesh K.; Goswami, Luna; Goswami, Chandan; Mohapatra, Harapriya

2018-01-01

Antibacterial therapy is of paramount importance in treatment of several acute and chronic infectious diseases caused by pathogens. Over the years extensive use and misuse of antimicrobial agents has led to emergence of multidrug resistant (MDR) and extensive drug resistant (XDR) pathogens. This drastic escalation in resistant phenotype has limited the efficacy of available therapeutic options. Thus, the need of the hour is to look for alternative therapeutic approaches to mitigate healthcare concerns caused due to MDR bacterial infections. Nanoparticles have gathered much attention as potential candidates for antibacterial therapy. Equipped with advantages of, wide spectrum bactericidal activity at very low dosage, inhibitor of biofilm formation and ease of permeability, nanoparticles have been considered as leading therapeutic candidates to curtail infections resulting from MDR bacteria. However, substrate non-specificity of efflux pumps, particularly those belonging to resistance nodulation division super family, have been reported to reduce efficacy of many potent antibacterial therapeutic drugs. Previously, we had reported antibacterial activity of polysaccharide-capped silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) toward MDR bacteria. We showed that AgNPs inhibits biofilm formation and alters expression of cytoskeletal proteins FtsZ and FtsA, with minimal cytotoxicity toward mammalian cells. In the present study, we report no reduction in antibacterial efficacy of silver nanoparticles in presence of AcrAB-TolC efflux pump proteins. Antibacterial tests were performed according to CLSI macrobroth dilution method, which revealed that both silver nanoparticles exhibited bactericidal activity at very low concentrations. Further, immunoblotting results indicated that both the nanoparticles modulate the transporter AcrB protein expression. However, expression of the membrane fusion protein AcrA did show a significant increase after exposure to AgNPs. Our results indicate that both silver nanoparticles are effective in eliminating MDR Enterobacter cloacae isolates and their action was not inhibited by AcrAB-TolC efflux protein expression. As such, the above nanoparticles have strong potential to be used as effective and alternate therapeutic candidates to combat MDR gram-negative Enterobacterial pathogens.

Analytical modeling for heat transfer in sheared flows of nanofluids.

PubMed

Ferrari, Claudio; Kaoui, Badr; L'vov, Victor S; Procaccia, Itamar; Rudenko, Oleksii; ten Thije Boonkkamp, J H M; Toschi, Federico

2012-07-01

We developed a model for the enhancement of the heat flux by spherical and elongated nanoparticles in sheared laminar flows of nanofluids. Besides the heat flux carried by the nanoparticles, the model accounts for the contribution of their rotation to the heat flux inside and outside the particles. The rotation of the nanoparticles has a twofold effect: it induces a fluid advection around the particle and it strongly influences the statistical distribution of particle orientations. These dynamical effects, which were not included in existing thermal models, are responsible for changing the thermal properties of flowing fluids as compared to quiescent fluids. The proposed model is strongly supported by extensive numerical simulations, demonstrating a potential increase of the heat flux far beyond the Maxwell-Garnett limit for the spherical nanoparticles. The road ahead, which should lead toward robust predictive models of heat flux enhancement, is discussed.

Structural and magnetic studies of nanocrystalline Y{sub 2}Ir{sub 2}O{sub 7}

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Dwivedi, Vinod Kumar, E-mail: vinodd@iitk.ac.in; Mukhopadhyay, Soumik

2015-06-24

In this paper, we discuss synthesis of Y{sub 2}Ir{sub 2}O{sub 7} nanoparticles via chemical solution process. Structural analysis shows single cubic phase with Fd-3m space group symmetry. The particle size and distribution were studied by Transmission Electron Microscopy experiments. The average particle size turns out to be 50nm, which is in good agreement with the XRD results. Magnetic characterization shows no evidence of long range ordering even in presence of strong correlations.

Enzyme-triggered size shrink and laser-enhanced NO release nanoparticles for deep tumor penetration and combination therapy.

PubMed

Hu, Chuan; Cun, Xingli; Ruan, Shaobo; Liu, Rui; Xiao, Wei; Yang, Xiaotong; Yang, Yuanyuan; Yang, Chuanyao; Gao, Huile

2018-06-01

Chemotherapy remains restricted by poor drug delivery efficacy due to the heterogenous nature of tumor. Herein, we presented a novel nanoparticle that could not only response to the tumor microenvironment but also modulate it for deep tumor penetration and combination therapy. The intelligent nanoparticle (IDDHN) was engineered by hyaluronidase (HAase)-triggered size shrinkable hyaluronic acid shells, which were modified with NIR laser sensitive nitric oxide donor (HN), small-sized dendrimeric prodrug (IDD) of doxorubicin (DOX) as chemotherapy agent and indocyanine green (ICG) as photothermal agent into a single nanoparticle. IDDHN displayed synergistic deep penetration both in vitro and in vivo, owing to the enzymatically degradable HN shell mediated by HAase and laser-enhanced NO release triggered deep penetration upon strong hyperthermia effect of ICG under the NIR laser irradiation. The therapeutic effect of IDDHN was verified in 4T1 xenograft tumor model, and IDDHN showed a much better antitumor efficiency with few side effects upon NIR laser irradiation. Therefore, the valid of this study might provide a novel tactic for engineering nanoparticles both response to and modulate the tumor microenvironment for improving penetration and heterogeneity distribution of therapeutic agents in tumor. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Thiol-reactive amphiphilic block copolymer for coating gold nanoparticles with neutral and functionable surfaces

PubMed Central

Chen, Hongwei; Zou, Hao; Paholak, Hayley J.; Ito, Masayuki; Qian, Wei; Che, Yong; Sun, Duxin

2014-01-01

Nanoparticles designed for biomedical applications are often coated with polymers containing reactive functional groups, such as –COOH and –NH2, to conjugate targeting ligands or drugs. However, introducing highly charged surfaces promotes binding of the nanoparticles to biomolecules in biological systems through ionic interactions, causing the nanoparticles to aggregate in biological environments and consequently undergo strong non-specific binding to off-target cells and tissues. Developing a unique polymer with neutral surfaces that can be further functionalized directly would be critical to develop suitable nanomaterials for nanomedicine. Here, we report a thiol-reactive amphiphilic block copolymer poly(ethylene oxide)-block-poly(pyridyldisulfide ethylmeth acrylate) (PEO-b-PPDSM) for coating gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). The resultant polymer-coated AuNPs have almost neutral surfaces with slightly negative zeta potentials from -10 to 0 mV over a wide pH range from 2 to 12. Although the zeta potential is close to zero we show that the PEO-b-PPDSM copolymer-coated AuNPs have both good stability in various physiological conditions and reduced non-specific adsorption of proteins/biomolecules. Because of the multiple pyridyldisulfide groups on the PPDSM block, these individually dispersed nanocomplexes with an overall hydrodynamic size around 43.8 nm can be directly functionalized via disulfide-thiol exchange chemistry. PMID:24729795

Molecular dynamics simulation study of the early stages of nucleation of iron oxyhydroxide nanoparticles in aqueous solutions

DOE PAGES

Zhang, Hengzhong; Waychunas, Glenn A.; Banfield, Jillian F.

2015-07-29

Nucleation is a fundamental step in crystal growth. Of environmental and materials relevance are reactions that lead to nucleation of iron oxyhydroxides in aqueous solutions. These reactions are difficult to study experimentally due to their rapid kinetics. Here, we used classical molecular dynamics simulations to investigate nucleation of iron hydroxide/oxyhydroxide nanoparticles in aqueous solutions. Results show that in a solution containing ferric ions and hydroxyl groups, iron–hydroxyl molecular clusters form by merging ferric monomers, dimers, and other oligomers, driven by strong affinity of ferric ions to hydroxyls. When deprotonation reactions are not considered in the simulations, these clusters aggregate tomore » form small iron hydroxide nanocrystals with a six-membered ring-like layered structure allomeric to gibbsite. By comparison, in a solution containing iron chloride and sodium hydroxide, the presence of chlorine drives cluster assembly along a different direction to form long molecular chains (rather than rings) composed of Fe–O octahedra linked by edge sharing. Further, in chlorine-free solutions, when deprotonation reactions are considered, the simulations predict ultimate formation of amorphous iron oxyhydroxide nanoparticles with local atomic structure similar to that of ferrihydrite nanoparticles. Overall, our simulation results reveal that nucleation of iron oxyhydroxide nanoparticles proceeds via a cluster aggregation-based nonclassical pathway.« less

Nanoparticles prepared by the sol gel method and their use in the formation of nanocomposites with polypropylene

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moncada, E.; Quijada, R.; Retuert, J.

2007-08-01

Hybrid layered aluminosilicate nanoparticles (HLNP) containing octadecylamine (ODA) as the organic part, and silica nanoparticles with spherical morphology containing ODA (HSNP) or without ODA (SNP) were prepared by the sol-gel method and used for the formation of nanocomposites with polypropylene. The polypropylene matrices, of different molecular weight and polydispersity, were prepared using polymers obtained via Ziegler-Natta or metallocene catalysts. A strong influence of the morphology and the presence of ODA on the surface of the nanoparticles was found on the formation and characteristics of the nanocomposites. The mechanical properties and thermal stability of these materials were determined and compared with those of nanocomposites prepared with 2:1 phylosilicate clays such as montmorillonite and hectorite in similar polymer matrices. X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and the study of mechanical properties showed that the use of HLNP allows nanocomposites with considerably improved mechanical properties to be obtained, compared with nanocomposites prepared with exfoliated clays. In the case of nanocomposites prepared with spherical particles functionalized with ODA (HSNP), materials with high specific strength combined with high elongation before rupture were obtained. The thermal stabilization of polypropylene matrices containing the synthesized nanoparticles (HLNP, HSNP or SNP) occurs about 50 °C higher than that attained with clays.

Nonenzymatic glucose sensor based on renewable electrospun Ni nanoparticle-loaded carbon nanofiber paste electrode.

PubMed

Liu, Yang; Teng, Hong; Hou, Haoqing; You, Tianyan

2009-07-15

A novel nonenzymatic glucose sensor was developed based on the renewable Ni nanoparticle-loaded carbon nanofiber paste (NiCFP) electrode. The NiCF nanocomposite was prepared by combination of electrospinning technique with thermal treatment method. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images showed that large amounts of spherical nanoparticles were well dispersed on the surface or embedded in the carbon nanofibers. And the nanoparticles were composed of Ni and NiO, as revealed by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and X-ray powder diffraction (XRD). In application to nonenzymatic glucose determination, the renewable NiCFP electrodes, which were constructed by simply mixing the electrospun nanocomposite with mineral oil, exhibited strong and fast amperometric response without being poisoned by chloride ions. Low detection limit of 1 microM with wide linear range from 2 microM to 2.5 mM (R=0.9997) could be obtained. The current response of the proposed glucose sensor was highly sensitive and stable, attributing to the electrocatalytic performance of the firmly embedded Ni nanoparticles as well as the chemical inertness of the carbon-based electrode. The good analytical performance, low cost and straightforward preparation method made this novel electrode material promising for the development of effective glucose sensor.

Antimicrobial property of zinc based nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chiriac, V.; Stratulat, D. N.; Calin, G.; Nichitus, S.; Burlui, V.; Stadoleanu, C.; Popa, M.; Popa, I. M.

2016-06-01

Pathogen bacteria strains with wide spectrum can cause serious infections with drastic damages on humans. There are studies reflecting antibacterial effect of nanoparticles type metal or metal oxides as an alternative or concurrent treatment to the diseases caused by infectious agents. Synthesised nanoparticles using different methods like sol-gel, hydrothermal or plant extraction were tested following well-established protocols with the regard to their antimicrobial activity. It was found that zinc based nanoparticles possess strong synergistic effect with commonly used antibiotics on infection tratment.

Rapid synthesis of flower shaped Cu{sub 2}ZnSnS{sub 4} nanoparticles by microwave irradiation for solar cell application

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ansari, Mohd Zubair, E-mail: mhd.zubair1@gmail.com; Khare, Neeraj

Single phase Cu{sub 2}ZnSnS{sub 4} (CZTS) nanoparticles have been synthesized by the microwave-assisted solution method in a one step process. Structural, morphological and optical characterizations of the CZTS nanoparticles have been carried out. X-ray diffraction confirms the single phase formation of CZTS nanoparticles with kesterite structure. SEM confirms the homogenous distribution of CZTS nanoparticles flower like assemblies. High resolution TEM image confirms the good crystallinity of the CZTS nanoparticles with the average grain size ~20 nm. The CZTS nanoparticles have strong optical absorption in the visible region with direct band gap as ~1.6 eV which is optimal for photovoltaic application.

pH dependent conjugation of Ibuprofen to PEGylated nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bharti, Shivani; Jain, Shikshita; Kaur, Gurvir; Gupta, Shikha; Tripathi, S. K.

2018-04-01

In this paper, Ibuprofen, a water insoluble drug was covalently attached to PEGylated nanoparticles. Firstly, Surface functionalization of water dispersed core/shell nanoparticles had been done using hydrophilic polymer PEG-diamine. Therefore, PEGylated nanoparticles contain NH2 groups over the surface of nanoparticles and can be used for the further attachment of biomolecules. Ibuprofen was covalently loaded on the PEGylated core/shell nanoparticles using carbodiimide reaction. The synthesis had been carried out under two different pH environments, as the solubility of Ibuprofen is pH dependent. The resultant samples were characterized using UV-Vis absorption and FT-IR spectroscopy. The results strongly suggest the successful chemical conjugation of Ibuprofen to PEGylated nanoparticles in aqueous media and they could be further used for drug delivery applications.

Preparation of wormlike polymeric nanoparticles coated with silica for delivery of methotrexate and evaluation of anticancer activity against MCF7 cells.

PubMed

Gharebaghi, Farhad; Dalali, Naser; Ahmadi, Ebrahim; Danafar, Hossein

2017-04-01

Methotrexate is one of the most effective drugs that is commonly used in the treatment of cancer. However, its application is limited due to low solubility, high toxicity and rapid metabolism. Therefore, in the present study, worm-like polymeric nanoparticles as carrier of methotrexate were prepared using biodegradable copolymers (mPEG-PCL). The impact of nanoparticles' geometry on the loading, delivery and drug's anti-cancer activity was investigated. The di-block copolymer mPEG-PCL was being synthesized by a ring opening polymerization of ɛ-caprolactone in the presence of mPEG as the initiator and Sn(oct) 2 as the catalyst. It was used for the preparation of worm-like micelles and coated with silica, so that their structures are stable after drying. The synthesized copolymers and nanoparticles were characterized by FTIR, HNMR, GPC, XRD, TGA, DLS, and FE-SEM analyses. The efficiencies of drug loading and release of nanoparticles as in vitro, was studied by high performance liquid chromatography. The MTT method was used to estimate the toxicity on MCF-7 cell category. The obtained results showed that the nanoparticles were worm-like particles with less than 150 nm diameter and about 1 µm length. The loading and encapsulation efficiencies of drug by the worm-like nanoparticles were 3.5 ± 0.14% and 65.6 ± 0.12%, respectively, while they were obtained as 2.1 ± 0.08% and 26 ± 0.10%, respectively, for spherical nanoparticles. The methotrexate diffusional behavior of worm-like nanoparticles was compared with that of the spherical ones. On the other hand, the anti-cancer activity of MTX-loaded nanoparticles was more than the free drug. The results of the MTT assay showed strong and dose-dependent inhibition of cell (MCF-7 category) growth by the nanoparticles compared with MTX. The inhibitory concentrations (IC 50 i.e. reduction viability of cell to 50%) obtained for worm-like, spherical nanoparticles and free drug (incubation times 72 h) were 8.25 ± 0.20, 9.15 ± 0.17, 12.28 ± 0.15 µg/mL, respectively. It can be concluded that application of non-spherical nanoparticles is a better and more effective strategy for controlled and slow release of methotrexate in the treatment of cancer.

Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate)/ZnO Bionanocomposites with Improved Mechanical, Barrier and Antibacterial Properties

PubMed Central

Díez-Pascual, Ana M.; Díez-Vicente, Angel L.

2014-01-01

Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB)-based bionanocomposites incorporating different contents of ZnO nanoparticles were prepared via solution casting technique. The nanoparticles were dispersed within the biopolymer without the need for surfactants or coupling agents. The morphology, thermal, mechanical, barrier, migration and antibacterial properties of the nanocomposites were investigated. The nanoparticles acted as nucleating agents, increasing the crystallization temperature and the degree of crystallinity of the matrix, and as mass transport barriers, hindering the diffusion of volatiles generated during the decomposition process, leading to higher thermal stability. The Young’s modulus, tensile and impact strength of the biopolymer were enhanced by up to 43%, 32% and 26%, respectively, due to the strong matrix-nanofiller interfacial adhesion attained via hydrogen bonding interactions, as revealed by the FT-IR spectra. Moreover, the nanocomposites exhibited reduced water uptake and superior gas and vapour barrier properties compared to neat PHB. They also showed antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, which was progressively improved upon increasing ZnO concentration. The migration levels of PHB/ZnO composites in both non-polar and polar simulants decreased with increasing nanoparticle content, and were well below the current legislative limits for food packaging materials. These biodegradable nanocomposites show great potential as an alternative to synthetic plastic packaging materials especially for use in food and beverage containers and disposable applications. PMID:24941255

Dielectric properties of (CuO, CaO2, and BaO)y/CuTl-1223 composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mumtaz, M.; Kamran, M.; Nadeem, K.; Jabbar, Abdul; Khan, Nawazish A.; Saleem, Abida; Tajammul Hussain, S.; Kamran, M.

2013-07-01

We synthesized (CuO, CaO2, and BaO)y/Cu0.5Tl0.5Ba2Ca2Cu3O10-δ (y = 0, 5%, 10%, 15%) composites by solid-state reaction and characterized them by x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, dc-resistivity, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Frequency and temperature dependent dielectric properties, such as real and imaginary parts of the dielectric constant, dielectric loss, and ac-conductivity of these composites were studied by capacitance and conductance measurements as a function of frequency (10 kHz to 10 MHz) and temperature (78 to 300 K). X-ray diffraction analysis reveals that the characteristic behavior of the superconductor phase and the structure of Cu0.5Tl0.5Ba2Ca2Cu3O10-δ are nearly undisturbed by doping with nanoparticles. Scanning electron microscopy images show the improvement in the intergranular linking between the superconducting grains occurring with increasing nanoparticle concentration. Microcracks are healed up with these nanoparticles, and superconducting volume fraction is also increased. Dielectric properties of these composites strongly depend on the frequency and temperature. Zero resistivity critical temperature and dielectric properties show opposite trends with the addition of nanoparticles to the Cu0.5Tl0.5Ba2Ca2Cu3O10-δ superconductor matrix.

Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate)/ZnO bionanocomposites with improved mechanical, barrier and antibacterial properties.

PubMed

Díez-Pascual, Ana M; Díez-Vicente, Angel L

2014-06-17

Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB)-based bionanocomposites incorporating different contents of ZnO nanoparticles were prepared via solution casting technique. The nanoparticles were dispersed within the biopolymer without the need for surfactants or coupling agents. The morphology, thermal, mechanical, barrier, migration and antibacterial properties of the nanocomposites were investigated. The nanoparticles acted as nucleating agents, increasing the crystallization temperature and the degree of crystallinity of the matrix, and as mass transport barriers, hindering the diffusion of volatiles generated during the decomposition process, leading to higher thermal stability. The Young's modulus, tensile and impact strength of the biopolymer were enhanced by up to 43%, 32% and 26%, respectively, due to the strong matrix-nanofiller interfacial adhesion attained via hydrogen bonding interactions, as revealed by the FT-IR spectra. Moreover, the nanocomposites exhibited reduced water uptake and superior gas and vapour barrier properties compared to neat PHB. They also showed antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, which was progressively improved upon increasing ZnO concentration. The migration levels of PHB/ZnO composites in both non-polar and polar simulants decreased with increasing nanoparticle content, and were well below the current legislative limits for food packaging materials. These biodegradable nanocomposites show great potential as an alternative to synthetic plastic packaging materials especially for use in food and beverage containers and disposable applications.

Pd Nanoparticles Coupled to WO 2.72 Nanorods for Enhanced Electrochemical Oxidation of Formic Acid

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Xi, Zheng; Erdosy, Daniel P.; Mendoza-Garcia, Adriana

We synthesize a new type of hybrid Pd/WO2.72 structure with 5 nm Pd nanoparticles (NPs) anchored on 50 × 5 nm WO2.72 nanorods. The strong Pd/WO2.72 coupling results in the lattice expansion of Pd from 0.23 to 0.27 nm and the decrease of Pd surface electron density. As a result, the Pd/WO2.72 shows much enhanced catalysis toward electrochemical oxidation of formic acid in 0.1 M HClO4; it has a mass activity of ~1600 mA/mgPd in a broad potential range of 0.4–0.85 V (vs RHE) and shows no obvious activity loss after a 12 h chronoamperometry test at 0.4 V. Ourmore » work demonstrates an important strategy to enhance Pd NP catalyst efficiency for energy conversion reactions.« less

Reducing agent-free synthesis of curcumin-loaded albumin nanoparticles by self-assembly at room temperature.

PubMed

Safavi, Maryam Sadat; Shojaosadati, Seyed Abbas; Yang, Hye Gyeong; Kim, Yejin; Park, Eun Ji; Lee, Kang Choon; Na, Dong Hee

2017-08-30

The purpose of this study was to prepare curcumin-loaded bovine serum albumin nanoparticles (CCM-BSA-NPs) by reducing agent-free self-assembly at room temperature. A 2 4 factorial design approach was used to investigate the CCM-BSA-NP preparation process at different pH values, temperatures, dithiothreitol amounts, and CCM/BSA mass ratios. Increasing the ionic strength enabled preparation of CCM-BSA-NPs at 25°C without reducing agent. CCM-BSA-NPs prepared under the optimized conditions at 25°C showed a particle size of 110±6nm, yield of 88.5%, and drug loading of 7.1%. The CCM-BSA-NPs showed strong antioxidant activity and neuroprotective effects in glutamate-induced mouse hippocampal neuronal HT22 cells. This study suggests that ionic strength can be a key parameter affecting the preparation of albumin-based NPs. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Efficient treatment of breast cancer xenografts with multifunctionalized iron oxide nanoparticles combining magnetic hyperthermia and anti-cancer drug delivery.

PubMed

Kossatz, Susanne; Grandke, Julia; Couleaud, Pierre; Latorre, Alfonso; Aires, Antonio; Crosbie-Staunton, Kieran; Ludwig, Robert; Dähring, Heidi; Ettelt, Volker; Lazaro-Carrillo, Ana; Calero, Macarena; Sader, Maha; Courty, José; Volkov, Yuri; Prina-Mello, Adriele; Villanueva, Angeles; Somoza, Álvaro; Cortajarena, Aitziber L; Miranda, Rodolfo; Hilger, Ingrid

2015-05-13

Tumor cells can effectively be killed by heat, e.g. by using magnetic hyperthermia. The main challenge in the field, however, is the generation of therapeutic temperatures selectively in the whole tumor region. We aimed to improve magnetic hyperthermia of breast cancer by using innovative nanoparticles which display a high heating potential and are functionalized with a cell internalization and a chemotherapeutic agent to increase cell death. The superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (MF66) were electrostatically functionalized with either Nucant multivalent pseudopeptide (N6L; MF66-N6L), doxorubicin (DOX; MF66-DOX) or both (MF66-N6LDOX). Their cytotoxic potential was assessed in a breast adenocarcinoma cell line MDA-MB-231. Therapeutic efficacy was analyzed on subcutaneous MDA-MB-231 tumor bearing female athymic nude mice. All nanoparticle variants showed an excellent heating potential around 500 W/g Fe in the alternating magnetic field (AMF, conditions: H=15.4 kA/m, f=435 kHz). We could show a gradual inter- and intracellular release of the ligands, and nanoparticle uptake in cells was increased by the N6L functionalization. MF66-DOX and MF66-N6LDOX in combination with hyperthermia were more cytotoxic to breast cancer cells than the respective free ligands. We observed a substantial tumor growth inhibition (to 40% of the initial tumor volume, complete tumor regression in many cases) after intratumoral injection of the nanoparticles in vivo. The proliferative activity of the remaining tumor tissue was distinctly reduced. The therapeutic effects of breast cancer magnetic hyperthermia could be strongly enhanced by the combination of MF66 functionalized with N6L and DOX and magnetic hyperthermia. Our approach combines two ways of tumor cell killing (magnetic hyperthermia and chemotherapy) and represents a straightforward strategy for translation into the clinical practice when injecting nanoparticles intratumorally.

Dual-Labeled Near-Infrared/99mTc Imaging Probes Using PAMAM-Coated Silica Nanoparticles for the Imaging of HER2-Expressing Cancer Cells

PubMed Central

Yamaguchi, Haruka; Tsuchimochi, Makoto; Hayama, Kazuhide; Kawase, Tomoyuki; Tsubokawa, Norio

2016-01-01

We sought to develop dual-modality imaging probes using functionalized silica nanoparticles to target human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-overexpressing breast cancer cells and achieve efficient target imaging of HER2-expressing tumors. Polyamidoamine-based functionalized silica nanoparticles (PCSNs) for multimodal imaging were synthesized with near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence (indocyanine green (ICG)) and technetium-99m (99mTc) radioactivity. Anti-HER2 antibodies were bound to the labeled PCSNs. These dual-imaging probes were tested to image HER2-overexpressing breast carcinoma cells. In vivo imaging was also examined in breast tumor xenograft models in mice. SK-BR3 (HER2 positive) cells were imaged with stronger NIR fluorescent signals than that in MDA-MB231 (HER2 negative) cells. The increased radioactivity of the SK-BR3 cells was also confirmed by phosphor imaging. NIR images showed strong fluorescent signals in the SK-BR3 tumor model compared to muscle tissues and the MDA-MB231 tumor model. Automatic well counting results showed increased radioactivity in the SK-BR3 xenograft tumors. We developed functionalized silica nanoparticles loaded with 99mTc and ICG for the targeting and imaging of HER2-expressing cells. The dual-imaging probes efficiently imaged HER2-overexpressing cells. Although further studies are needed to produce efficient isotope labeling, the results suggest that the multifunctional silica nanoparticles are a promising vehicle for imaging specific components of the cell membrane in a dual-modality manner. PMID:27399687

Dual-Labeled Near-Infrared/(99m)Tc Imaging Probes Using PAMAM-Coated Silica Nanoparticles for the Imaging of HER2-Expressing Cancer Cells.

PubMed

Yamaguchi, Haruka; Tsuchimochi, Makoto; Hayama, Kazuhide; Kawase, Tomoyuki; Tsubokawa, Norio

2016-07-07

We sought to develop dual-modality imaging probes using functionalized silica nanoparticles to target human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-overexpressing breast cancer cells and achieve efficient target imaging of HER2-expressing tumors. Polyamidoamine-based functionalized silica nanoparticles (PCSNs) for multimodal imaging were synthesized with near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence (indocyanine green (ICG)) and technetium-99m ((99m)Tc) radioactivity. Anti-HER2 antibodies were bound to the labeled PCSNs. These dual-imaging probes were tested to image HER2-overexpressing breast carcinoma cells. In vivo imaging was also examined in breast tumor xenograft models in mice. SK-BR3 (HER2 positive) cells were imaged with stronger NIR fluorescent signals than that in MDA-MB231 (HER2 negative) cells. The increased radioactivity of the SK-BR3 cells was also confirmed by phosphor imaging. NIR images showed strong fluorescent signals in the SK-BR3 tumor model compared to muscle tissues and the MDA-MB231 tumor model. Automatic well counting results showed increased radioactivity in the SK-BR3 xenograft tumors. We developed functionalized silica nanoparticles loaded with (99m)Tc and ICG for the targeting and imaging of HER2-expressing cells. The dual-imaging probes efficiently imaged HER2-overexpressing cells. Although further studies are needed to produce efficient isotope labeling, the results suggest that the multifunctional silica nanoparticles are a promising vehicle for imaging specific components of the cell membrane in a dual-modality manner.

In vivo study of ALA PLGA nanoparticles-mediated PDT for treating cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Xiaojie; Shi, Lei; Huang, Zheng; Wang, Xiuli

2014-09-01

Background: Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a common skin cancer and its treatment is still a challenge. Although topical photodynamic therapy (PDT) is effective for treating in situ and superficial SCC, the effectiveness of topical ALA delivery to thick SCC can be limited by its bioavailability. Polylactic-co-glycolic acid nanopartieles (PLGA NPs) might provide a promising ALA delivery strategy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of ALA PLGA NPs PDT for the treatment of cutaneous SCC in a mouse model. Methods: ALA loaded PLGA NPs were prepared and characterized. The therapeutic efficacy of ALA PLGA NP mediated PDT in treating UV-induced cutaneous SCC in the mice model were examined. Results: In vivo study showed that ALA PLGA NPs PDT were more effective than free ALA of the same concentration in treating mouse cutaneous SCC. Conclusion: ALA PLGA NPs provides a promising strategy for delivering ALA and treating cutaneous SCC.

Optical nonlinear absorption characteristics of Sb2Se3 nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Muralikrishna, Molli; Kiran, Aditha Sai; Ravikanth, B.; Sowmendran, P.; Muthukumar, V. Sai; Venkataramaniah, Kamisetti

2014-04-01

In this work, we report for the first time, the nonlinear optical absorption properties of antimony selenide (Sb2Se3) nanoparticles synthesized through solvothermal route. X-ray diffraction results revealed the crystalline nature of the nanoparticles. Electron microscopy studies revealed that the nanoparticles are in the range of 10 - 40 nm. Elemental analysis was performed using EDAX. By employing open aperture z-scan technique, we have evaluated the effective two-photon absorption coefficient of Sb2Se3 nanoparticles to be 5e-10 m/W at 532 nm. These nanoparticles exhibit strong intensity dependent nonlinear optical absorption and hence could be considered to have optical power limiting applications in the visible range.

Modification of bone-like apatite nanoparticle size and growth kinetics by alizarin red S

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ibsen, Casper Jon Steenberg; Birkedal, Henrik

2010-11-01

The formation of nanocrystals in biomineralization such as in bone occurs under the influence of organic molecules. Prompted by this fact, the effect of alizarin red S, a dye used in in vivo bone labeling methods, on bone-like carbonated apatite nanocrystal formation was investigated as a function of alizarin red S additive concentration. The obtained nanoparticles were investigated by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), FTIR as well thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) while the kinetics of nanoparticle formation was investigated by in situ pH and synchrotron XRD measurements. Increasing alizarin red S concentration lead to amorphous particles over a threshold concentration and to smaller crystallites in a dose-dependent fashion. Alizarin red S induced a macroscopic lattice strain that scaled linearly with the alizarin red S concentration; this effect is reminiscent of that seen in biogenic calcium carbonates. TGA showed that the amorphous particles contained significantly more water than the crystalline samples and the DSC data showed that crystallization occurs after loss of most of the included organic material. The in situ studies showed that the formation of apatite goes via the very rapid formation of an amorphous precursor that after a certain nucleation time crystallizes into apatite. This nucleation time increased exponentially with alizarin red S concentration showing that this additive strongly stabilizes the amorphous precursor phase.

In vivo tumor-targeted dual-modal fluorescence/CT imaging using a nanoprobe co-loaded with an aggregation-induced emission dye and gold nanoparticles.

PubMed

Zhang, Jimei; Li, Chan; Zhang, Xu; Huo, Shuaidong; Jin, Shubin; An, Fei-Fei; Wang, Xiaodan; Xue, Xiangdong; Okeke, C I; Duan, Guiyun; Guo, Fengguang; Zhang, Xiaohong; Hao, Jifu; Wang, Paul C; Zhang, Jinchao; Liang, Xing-Jie

2015-02-01

As an intensely studied computed tomography (CT) contrast agent, gold nanoparticle has been suggested to be combined with fluorescence imaging modality to offset the low sensitivity of CT. However, the strong quenching of gold nanoparticle on fluorescent dyes requires complicated design and shielding to overcome. Herein, we report a unique nanoprobe (M-NPAPF-Au) co-loading an aggregation-induced emission (AIE) red dye and gold nanoparticles into DSPE-PEG(2000) micelles for dual-modal fluorescence/CT imaging. The nanoprobe was prepared based on a facile method of "one-pot ultrasonic emulsification". Surprisingly, in the micelles system, fluorescence dye (NPAPF) efficiently overcame the strong fluorescence quenching of shielding-free gold nanoparticles and retained the crucial AIE feature. In vivo studies demonstrated the nanoprobe had superior tumor-targeting ability, excellent fluorescence and CT imaging effects. The totality of present studies clearly indicates the significant potential application of M-NPAPF-Au as a dual-modal non-invasive fluorescence/X-ray CT nanoprobe for in vivo tumor-targeted imaging and diagnosis. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Preparation and testing of quaternized chitosan nanoparticles as gene delivery vehicles.

PubMed

Li, Guang-Feng; Wang, Jing-Cheng; Feng, Xin-Min; Liu, Zhen-Dong; Jiang, Chao-Yong; Yang, Jian-Dong

2015-04-01

The aim of this study was to synthesize a chitosan (CS) derivative, a quaternary ammonium salt crystal called N-2-hydroxypropyl trimethyl ammonium chloride chitosan (HACC), and test a series of HACC and pEGFP-DNA complexes at different weight ratios for their efficiency of gene delivery into human cells. CS was modified with cationic etherifying agent to obtain the CS derivative. Fourier transform infrared spectra were recorded on KBr pellets with a spectrometer. (1)H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra of HACC were obtained using a spectrometer. HACC was subsequently used to prepare HACC/DNA complexes at different weight ratios by coacervation method. The resulting particle size and surface charge were assessed by laser light scattering using a zeta potential analyzer. The HACC/DNA complex formation and DNA protection in the nanoparticle complex was investigated by gel mobility shift assay and DNase I protection assay, respectively. The cytotoxicity of HACC and HACC/DNA nanoparticles was evaluated by MTT assay using (mesenchymal stem cell) MSC lines. The nanoscale structure of the particles was obtained by transmission electron microscope (TEM). The FTIR spectrum of HACC showed the characteristic quaternary ammonium group absorption band at 1475 cm(-1), which indicated the presence of quaternary ammonium group. The successful synthesis of HACC was also confirmed by (1)H NMR spectrum. HACC showed good solubility in water and was electropositive. HACC efficiently packed and protected pEGFP-DNA at a weight ratio of 10. With increased weight ratios, the surface charge of the composite particle increased from negative to positive, the average particle size increased, and HACC nanoparticle had a higher carrying efficiency. The nanoparticles released DNA in two distinct phases, and 55 % was released within the first 20 h of solubilization. The nanoparticles under TEM showed circular or oval shapes. The particles exhibited no cytotoxicity against human cells. No significant difference in gene delivery efficiency was detected between HACC/pEGFP-GDNF and liposome/pEGFP-GDNF complexes (33.8 vs. 34 %, P = 0.363). In this study, HACC was successfully synthesized, and HACC/DNA complex assembled efficiently. HACC showed strong DNA binding affinity and high protection of DNA and was non-cytotoxic to human cells. The particles had appropriate nanostructure, mean diameter, and DNA release time. The results suggest that HACC nanoparticles are a novel tool for efficient and safe gene delivery.

Viability and proliferation of endothelial cells upon exposure to GaN nanoparticles.

PubMed

Braniste, Tudor; Tiginyanu, Ion; Horvath, Tibor; Raevschi, Simion; Cebotari, Serghei; Lux, Marco; Haverich, Axel; Hilfiker, Andres

2016-01-01

Nanotechnology is a rapidly growing and promising field of interest in medicine; however, nanoparticle-cell interactions are not yet fully understood. The goal of this work was to examine the interaction between endothelial cells and gallium nitride (GaN) semiconductor nanoparticles. Cellular viability, adhesion, proliferation, and uptake of nanoparticles by endothelial cells were investigated. The effect of free GaN nanoparticles versus the effect of growing endothelial cells on GaN functionalized surfaces was examined. To functionalize surfaces with GaN, GaN nanoparticles were synthesized on a sacrificial layer of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles using hydride vapor phase epitaxy. The uptake of GaN nanoparticles by porcine endothelial cells was strongly dependent upon whether they were fixed to the substrate surface or free floating in the medium. The endothelial cells grown on surfaces functionalized with GaN nanoparticles demonstrated excellent adhesion and proliferation, suggesting good biocompatibility of the nanostructured GaN.

Antiproliferative effect of Antrodia camphorata polysaccharides encapsulated in chitosan-silica nanoparticles strongly depends on the metabolic activity type of the cell line

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kong, Zwe-Ling; Chang, Jenq-Sheng; Chang, Ke Liang B.

2013-09-01

Chitosan molecules interact with silica and encapsulate the Antrodia camphorata extract (ACE) polysaccharides to form composite nanoparticles. The nanoparticle suspensions of ACE polysaccharides encapsulated in silica-chitosan and silica nanoparticles approach an average particle size of 210 and 294 nm in solution, respectively. The encapsulation efficiencies of ACE polysaccharides are 66 and 63.5 %, respectively. Scanning electron micrographs confirm the formation of near-spherical nanoparticles. ACE polysaccharides solution had better antioxidative capability than ACE polysaccharides encapsulated in silica or silica-chitosan nanoparticles suspensions. The antioxidant capacity of nanoparticles increases with increasing dissolution time. The antitumor effects of ACE polysaccharides, ACE polysaccharides encapsulated in silica, or silica-chitosan nanoparticles increased with increasing concentration of nanoparticles. This is the first report demonstrating the potential of ACE polysaccharides encapsulated in chitosan-silica nanoparticles for cancer chemoprevention. Furthermore, this study suggests that antiproliferative effect of nanoparticle-encapsulated bioactive could significantly depend on the metabolic activity type of the cell line.

Exotic chemical arrangements and magnetic moment evolution of NixPt1-x (0 ≤x≤ 1) nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mokkath, Junais Habeeb

2018-06-01

We present a systematic study on the chemical ordering pattern and the magnetic properties of NixPt1-x (0 ⩽ x≤ 1) nanoparticles having a size of 1.5 nm by means of an approach which combines basin hopping structure sampling technique and spin-polarized density functional theory. We found exotic chemical ordering patterns for different Ni/Pt ratios. In addition, we observed a sharp phase transition from non-magnetic to ferromagnetic behaviour around x = 67%. We show that this is a direct consequence of a unique atomic arrangement on the surface in which Ni atoms club together causing the strong Ni-Ni magnetic interaction. The observed magnetic properties are correlated to the electronic density of states.

Electrocatalytic oxidation of hydrazine and hydroxylamine by graphene oxide-Pd nanoparticle-modified glassy carbon electrode.

PubMed

Lee, Eunhee; Kim, Daekun; You, Jung-Min; Kim, Seul Ki; Yun, Mira; Jeon, Seungwon

2012-12-01

Pd nanoparticle catalysts supported by thiolated graphene oxide (tGO) on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE), and denoted as tGO-Pd/GCE, are used in this study for the electrochemical determination of hydroxylamine and hydrazine. The physicochemical properties of tGO-Pd were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). They showed strong catalytic activity toward the oxidation of hydroxylamine and hydrazine. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) and amperometry were used to characterize the sensors' performances. The detection limits of hydroxylamine and hydrazine by tGO-Pd/GCE were 0.31 and 0.25 microM (s/n = 3), respectively. The sensors' sensitivity, selectivity, and stability were also investigated.

Synthesis and characterization of nanomagnetite particles and their polymer coated forms.

PubMed

Utkan, Guldem Guven; Sayar, Filiz; Batat, Pinar; Ide, Semra; Kriechbaum, Manfred; Pişkin, Erhan

2011-01-15

Superparamagnetic nanoparticles were prepared by coprecipitation of ferrous (Fe(2+)) and ferric (Fe(3+)) aqueous solution by a base. Nanomagnetite particles were coated with poly(St/PEG-EEM/DMAPM) and poly(St/PEG-MA/DMAPM) layer by emulsifier-free emulsion polymerization. Chemical structure of nanoparticles was characterized by both FTIR and (1)H NMR. Particle morphologies were determined by Zeta Sizer, DLS, XRD and SAXS. Structural analysis showed that after polymer coating nanomagnetite particles kept their superparamagnetic property. Besides the synthesized magnetites, polymer coated forms of these particles are more biocompatible, well dispersable and uniform. These properties make them a very strong candidate for bioengineering applications, such as bioseparation, gene transfer. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Plasmon Mapping in Au@Ag Nanocube Assemblies

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Surface plasmon modes in metallic nanostructures largely determine their optoelectronic properties. Such plasmon modes can be manipulated by changing the morphology of the nanoparticles or by bringing plasmonic nanoparticle building blocks close to each other within organized assemblies. We report the EELS mapping of such plasmon modes in pure Ag nanocubes, Au@Ag core–shell nanocubes, and arrays of Au@Ag nanocubes. We show that these arrays enable the creation of interesting plasmonic structures starting from elementary building blocks. Special attention will be dedicated to the plasmon modes in a triangular array formed by three nanocubes. Because of hybridization, a combination of such nanotriangles is shown to provide an antenna effect, resulting in strong electrical field enhancement at the narrow gap between the nanotriangles. PMID:25067991

In vitro cytotoxicity of iron oxide nanoparticles: effects of chitosan and polyvinyl alcohol as stabilizing agents

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tran, Phong A.; Nguyen, Hiep T.; Fox, Kate; Tran, Nhiem

2018-03-01

Iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles have significant potential in biomedical applications such as in diagnosis, imaging and therapeutic agent delivery. The choice of stabilizers and surface functionalization is important as it is known to strongly influence the cytotoxicity of the nanoparticles. The present study aimed at investigating the effects of surface charges on the cytotoxicity of iron oxide nanoparticles. We used a co-precipitation method to synthesize iron oxide nanoparticles which were then stabilized with either chitosan (CS) or polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) which have net positive charge and zero charge at physiological pH, respectively. The nanoparticles were characterized in terms of size, charges and chemical oxidation state. Cytotoxicity of the nanoparticles was assessed using mouse fibroblast cells and was correlated with surface charges of the nanoparticles and their aggregation.

Effect of polarization forces on carbon deposition on a non-spherical nanoparticle. Monte Carlo simulations [Effect of polarization forces on atom deposition on a non-spherical nanoparticle. Monte Carlo simulations

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Nemchinsky, V.; Khrabry, A.

Trajectories of a polarizable species (atoms or molecules) in the vicinity of a negatively charged nanoparticle (at a floating potential) are considered. The atoms are pulled into regions of strong electric field by polarization forces. The polarization increases the deposition rate of the atoms and molecules at the nanoparticle. The effect of the non-spherical shape of the nanoparticle is investigated by the Monte Carlo method. The shape of the non-spherical nanoparticle is approximated by an ellipsoid. The total deposition rate and its flux density distribution along the nanoparticle surface are calculated. As a result, it is shown that the fluxmore » density is not uniform along the surface. It is maximal at the nanoparticle tips.« less

Effect of polarization forces on carbon deposition on a non-spherical nanoparticle. Monte Carlo simulations [Effect of polarization forces on atom deposition on a non-spherical nanoparticle. Monte Carlo simulations

DOE PAGES

Nemchinsky, V.; Khrabry, A.

2018-02-01

Trajectories of a polarizable species (atoms or molecules) in the vicinity of a negatively charged nanoparticle (at a floating potential) are considered. The atoms are pulled into regions of strong electric field by polarization forces. The polarization increases the deposition rate of the atoms and molecules at the nanoparticle. The effect of the non-spherical shape of the nanoparticle is investigated by the Monte Carlo method. The shape of the non-spherical nanoparticle is approximated by an ellipsoid. The total deposition rate and its flux density distribution along the nanoparticle surface are calculated. As a result, it is shown that the fluxmore » density is not uniform along the surface. It is maximal at the nanoparticle tips.« less

The effect of temperature and chitosan concentration during storage on the growth of chitosan nanoparticle produced by ionic gelation method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Handani, Wenny Rinda; Sediawan, Wahyudi Budi; Tawfiequrrahman, Ahmad; Wiratni, Kusumastuti, Yuni

2017-05-01

The objective of this research was to get the mechanism of nano size chitosan particle growth during storage by observing the effect of temperature and initial concentration of chitosan. The products were analyzed using PSA to have the average of particle radius. Nanochitosan solution was prepared by ionic gelation method. This method is described as an electrostatic interaction between positively charged amine with negatively charged polyanion, such as tripolyphosphate (TPP). Chitosan was dissolved in 1% acetic acid and was stirred for 30 minutes. Tween 80 was added to avoid agglomeration. TPP was prepared by dissolving 0.336 g into distilled water. The nano size chitosan was obtained by mixing TPP and chitosan solution dropwise while stirring for 30 minutes. This step was done at 15°C and ambient temperature (about 30°C) and chitosan concentration 0.2%, 0.4% and 0.6%. The results show that temperature during ionic gelation process (15°C and 30°C) does not affect the initial size of the nanoparticles produced as well as the growth of the nanoparticles during storage. On the other hand, initial chitosan concentration strongly affects initial size of the nanoparticles produced and the growth of the nanoparticles during storage. The concentration of chitosan at 0.2%, 0.4%, 0.6% gave initial size of nanoparticle chitosan of 175.3 nm, 337.9 nm, 643.3 nm respectively. On the other hand, the growth mechanism of chitosan nanoparticle depended on its radius(R). At R<500 nm, the growth rate of nanoparticles is controlled by adsorption at the surface of the particles, while at R>500 nm, it is controlled by diffusion in the liquid film around the particles.

Antimicrobial activity and physical characterization of silver nanoparticles green synthesized using nitrate reductase from Fusarium oxysporum.

PubMed

Gholami-Shabani, Mohammadhassan; Akbarzadeh, Azim; Norouzian, Dariush; Amini, Abdolhossein; Gholami-Shabani, Zeynab; Imani, Afshin; Chiani, Mohsen; Riazi, Gholamhossein; Shams-Ghahfarokhi, Masoomeh; Razzaghi-Abyaneh, Mehdi

2014-04-01

Nanostructures from natural sources have received major attention due to wide array of biological activities and less toxicity for humans, animals, and the environment. In the present study, silver nanoparticles were successfully synthesized using a fungal nitrate reductase, and their biological activity was assessed against human pathogenic fungi and bacteria. The enzyme was isolated from Fusarium oxysporum IRAN 31C after culturing on malt extract-glucose-yeast extract-peptone (MGYP) medium. The enzyme was purified by a combination of ultrafiltration and ion exchange chromatography on DEAE Sephadex and its molecular weight was estimated by gel filtration on Sephacryl S-300. The purified enzyme had a maximum yield of 50.84 % with a final purification of 70 folds. With a molecular weight of 214 KDa, it is composed of three subunits of 125, 60, and 25 KDa. The purified enzyme was successfully used for synthesis of silver nanoparticles in a way dependent upon NADPH using gelatin as a capping agent. The synthesized silver nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffraction, dynamic light scattering spectroscopy, and transmission and scanning electron microscopy. These stable nonaggregating nanoparticles were spherical in shape with an average size of 50 nm and a zeta potential of -34.3. Evaluation of the antimicrobial effects of synthesized nanoparticles by disk diffusion method showed strong growth inhibitory activity against all tested human pathogenic fungi and bacteria as evident from inhibition zones that ranged from 14 to 25 mm. Successful green synthesis of biologically active silver nanoparticles by a nitrate reductase from F. oxysporum in the present work not only reduces laborious downstream steps such as purification of nanoparticle from interfering cellular components, but also provides a constant source of safe biologically-active nanomaterials with potential application in agriculture and medicine.

Stabilized gold nanoparticles by laser ablation in ferric chloride solutions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nouraddini, M. I.; Ranjbar, M.; Dobson, P. J.; Farrokhpour, H.; Johnston, C.; Jurkschat, K.

2017-12-01

In this study, laser ablation of gold was performed in different ferric chloride solutions and water as a reference. The ferric chloride solutions included hexachloro iron(III) and aquachloro iron(III) having low and high hydrolysis degree. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) images showed spherical gold nanoparticles (GNPs) in water, particles which are strongly agglomerated with intimate contact at their interfaces in hexachloro iron(III) and individual separated particles with a halo of an iron component in aquachloro iron(III). In addition, no combination of Au and Fe was found in HAADF analysis or X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns. In optical investigations, it was observed that gold nanoparticles made in hexachloro iron(III) solutions have localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) peaks broader than in the case of water that are quenched after a few hours, while ablation in the aquachloro iron(III) solution provides narrow LSPR absorption with a long-term stability. According to X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) there are metallic Au and Fe2+ states in the drop-casted samples. By comparison of cyclic voltammetry of solutions before and after laser ablation, strong agglomeration in hexachloro iron(III) was attributed to the reducing role of iron(III) creating an unstable gold surface in the chloride solution. In aquachloro iron(III), however, the observed stability was attributed to the formation of the halo of an iron compound around the particles.

Antibacterial, antibiofilm and cytotoxic effects of Nigella sativa essential oil coated gold nanoparticles.

PubMed

Manju, Sivalingam; Malaikozhundan, Balasubramanian; Vijayakumar, Sekar; Shanthi, Sathappan; Jaishabanu, Ameeramja; Ekambaram, Perumal; Vaseeharan, Baskaralingam

2016-02-01

This study reports the biological synthesis of gold nanoparticles using essential oil of Nigella sativa (NsEO-AuNPs). The synthesized NsEO-AuNPs were characterized by UV-visible spectra, X-ray diffraction (XRD), FTIR and Transmission electron microscopy (TEM). UV-vis spectra of NsEO-AuNPs showed strong absorption peak at 540 nm. The X-ray diffraction analysis revealed crystalline nature of nanoparticle with distinctive facets (111, 200, 220 and 311 planes) of NsEO-AuNPs. The FTIR spectra recorded peaks at 3388, 2842, 1685, 1607, 1391 and 1018 cm(-1). TEM studies showed the spherical shape of nanoparticles and the particle size ranges between 15.6 and 28.4 nm. The antibacterial activity of NsEO-AuNPs was greater against Gram positive Staphylococcus aureus MTCC 9542 (16 mm) than Gram negative Vibrio harveyi MTCC 7771 (5 mm) at the concentration of 10 μg ml(-1). NsEO-AuNPs effectively inhibited the biofilm formation of S. aureus and V. harveyi by decreasing the hydrophobicity index (78% and 46% respectively). The in-vitro anti-lung cancer activity confirmed by MTT assay on the cell line of A549 carcinoma cells showed IC50 values of bulk Au at 87.2 μg ml(-1), N. sativa essential oil at 64.15 μg ml(-1) and NsEO-AuNPs at 28.37 μg ml(-1). The IC50 value showed that NsEO-AuNPs was highly effective in inhibiting the A549 lung cancer cells compared to bulk Au and N. sativa essential oil. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A Mixed Stimuli-Responsive Magnetic and Gold Nanoparticle System for Rapid Purification, Enrichment, and Detection of Biomarkers

PubMed Central

Nash, Michael A.; Yager, Paul; Hoffman, Allan S.; Stayton, Patrick S.

2010-01-01

A new diagnostic system for the enrichment and detection of protein biomarkers from human plasma is presented. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were surface-modified with a diblock copolymer synthesized using reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. The diblock copolymer contained a thermally-responsive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (pNIPAAm) block, a cationic amine-containing block, and a semi-telechelic PEG2-biotin end group. When a mixed suspension of 23 nm pNIPAAm-modified AuNPs was heated with pNIPAAm-coated 10 nm iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles (mNPs) in human plasma, the thermally-responsive pNIPAAm directed the formation of mixed AuNP/mNP aggregates that could be separated efficiently with a magnet. Model studies showed that this mixed nanoparticle system could efficiently purify and strongly enrich the model biomarker protein streptavidin in spiked human plasma. A 10 ng/mL streptavidin sample was mixed with the biotinylated and pNIPAAm modified AuNP and magnetically separated in the mixed nanoparticle system with pNIPAAm mNPs. The aggregates were concentrated into a 50-fold smaller fluid volume at room temperature where the gold nanoparticle reagent redissolved with the streptavidin target still bound. The concentrated gold-labeled streptavidin could be subsequently analyzed directly using lateral flow immunochromatography. This rapid capture and enrichment module thus utilizes the mixed stimuli-responsive nanoparticle system to achieve direct concentration of a gold-labeled biomarker that can be directly analyzed using lateral flow or other rapid diagnostic strategies. PMID:21070026

Understanding How Acoustic Vibrations Modulate the Optical Response of Plasmonic Metal Nanoparticles

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ahmed, Aftab; Pelton, Matthew; Guest, Jeffrey R.

Measurements of acoustic vibrations in nanoparticles provide a unique opportunity to study mechanical phenomena at nanometer length scales and picosecond time scales. Vibrations in noble-metal nanoparticles have attracted particular attention, because they couple to plasmon resonances in the nanoparticles, leading to strong modulation of optical absorption and scattering. There are three mechanisms that transduce the mechanical oscillations into changes in the plasmon resonance: (1) changes in polarizability due to changes in the nanoparticle geometry; (2) changes in electron density due to changes in the nanoparticle volume and (3) changes in the interband transition energies due to compression/expansion of the nanoparticlemore » (deformation potential). These mechanisms have been studied in the past to explain the origin of the experimental signals; however, a thorough quantitative connection between the coupling of phonon and plasmon modes and separate contribution of each coupling mechanism has not yet been made. Here, we present a numerical method to quantitatively determine the coupling between vibrational and plasmon modes in noble-metal nanoparticles of arbitrary geometries, and apply it to spheres, shells, rods, and cubes in the context of time resolved measurements. We separately determine the parts of the optical response that are due to shape changes, changes in electron density, and changes in deformation potential (DP). We further show that coupling is in general strongest when the regions of largest electric field (plasmon mode) and largest displacement (phonon mode) overlap. Lastly, these results clarify reported experimental results, and should help guide future experiments and potential applications.« less

Enhanced Formation of Oxidants from Bimetallic Nickel-Iron Nanoparticles in the Presence of Oxygen

PubMed Central

Lee, Changha; Sedlak, David L.

2009-01-01

Nanoparticulate zero-valent iron (nZVI) rapidly reacts with oxygen to produce strong oxidants, capable of transforming organic contaminants in water. However, the low yield of oxidants with respect to the iron added normally limits the application of this system. Bimetallic nickel-iron nanoparticles (nNi-Fe; i.e., Ni-Fe alloy and Ni-coated Fe nanoparticles) exhibited enhanced yields of oxidants compared to nZVI. nNi-Fe (Ni-Fe alloy nanoparticles with [Ni]/[Fe] = 0.28 and Ni-coated Fe nanoparticles with [Ni]/[Fe] = 0.035) produced approximately 40% and 85% higher yields of formaldehyde from the oxidation of methanol relative to nZVI at pH 4 and 7, respectively. Ni-coated Fe nanoparticles showed a higher efficiency for oxidant production relative to Ni-Fe alloy nanoparticles based on Ni content. Addition of Ni did not enhance the oxidation of 2-propanol or benzoic acid, indicating that Ni addition did not enhance hydroxyl radical formation. The enhancement in oxidant yield was observed over a pH range of 4 – 9. The enhanced production of oxidant by nNi-Fe appears to be attributable to two factors. First, the nNi-Fe surface is less reactive toward hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) than the nZVI surface, which favors the reaction of H2O2 with dissolved Fe(II) (the Fenton reaction). Second, the nNi-Fe surface promotes oxidant production from the oxidation of ferrous ion by oxygen at neutral pH values. PMID:19068843

Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles from Cavendish banana peel extract and its antibacterial and free radical scavenging assay: a novel biological approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kokila, T.; Ramesh, P. S.; Geetha, D.

2015-12-01

Biosynthesis of metallic silver nanoparticles has now become an alternative to physical and chemical approaches. In the present study, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized from Cavendish banana peel extract (CBPE) and characterized by UV-visible spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, Atomic force microscopy (AFM), Field emission scanning electronic microscope (FESEM), Dynamic light scattering (DLS) and zeta potential (ZP). The AgNPs formation was confirmed by UV-visible spectroscopy through color conversion due to surface plasma resonance band at 430 nm. The effect of pH on nanoparticle synthesis was determined by adjusting the various pH of the reaction mixtures. The crystalline nature of nanoparticles was confirmed from the XRD pattern, and the grain size was found to be around 34 nm. To identify the compounds responsible for the bioreduction of Ag+ ion and the stabilization of AgNPs produced, the functional group present in Cavendish banana peel extract was investigated using FTIR. AFM has proved to be very helpful in determining morphological features and the diameter of AgNPs in the range of 23-30 nm was confirmed by FESEM. DLS studies revealed that the average size of AgNPs was found to be around 297 nm. Zeta potential value for AgNPs obtained was -11 mV indicating the moderate stability of synthesized nanoparticles. The antibacterial activity of the nanoparticles was studied against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Biosynthesized AgNPs showed a strong DPPH radical and ABTS scavengers compared to the aqueous peel extract of Cavendish banana.

Understanding How Acoustic Vibrations Modulate the Optical Response of Plasmonic Metal Nanoparticles

DOE PAGES

Ahmed, Aftab; Pelton, Matthew; Guest, Jeffrey R.

2017-08-17

Measurements of acoustic vibrations in nanoparticles provide a unique opportunity to study mechanical phenomena at nanometer length scales and picosecond time scales. Vibrations in noble-metal nanoparticles have attracted particular attention, because they couple to plasmon resonances in the nanoparticles, leading to strong modulation of optical absorption and scattering. There are three mechanisms that transduce the mechanical oscillations into changes in the plasmon resonance: (1) changes in polarizability due to changes in the nanoparticle geometry; (2) changes in electron density due to changes in the nanoparticle volume and (3) changes in the interband transition energies due to compression/expansion of the nanoparticlemore » (deformation potential). These mechanisms have been studied in the past to explain the origin of the experimental signals; however, a thorough quantitative connection between the coupling of phonon and plasmon modes and separate contribution of each coupling mechanism has not yet been made. Here, we present a numerical method to quantitatively determine the coupling between vibrational and plasmon modes in noble-metal nanoparticles of arbitrary geometries, and apply it to spheres, shells, rods, and cubes in the context of time resolved measurements. We separately determine the parts of the optical response that are due to shape changes, changes in electron density, and changes in deformation potential (DP). We further show that coupling is in general strongest when the regions of largest electric field (plasmon mode) and largest displacement (phonon mode) overlap. Lastly, these results clarify reported experimental results, and should help guide future experiments and potential applications.« less

Single-electron induced surface plasmons on a topological nanoparticle

PubMed Central

Siroki, G.; Lee, D.K.K.; Haynes, P. D.; Giannini, V.

2016-01-01

It is rarely the case that a single electron affects the behaviour of several hundred thousands of atoms. Here we demonstrate a phenomenon where this happens. The key role is played by topological insulators—materials that have surface states protected by time-reversal symmetry. Such states are delocalized over the surface and are immune to its imperfections in contrast to ordinary insulators. For topological insulators, the effects of these surface states will be more strongly pronounced in the case of nanoparticles. Here we show that under the influence of light a single electron in a topologically protected surface state creates a surface charge density similar to a plasmon in a metallic nanoparticle. Such an electron can act as a screening layer, which suppresses absorption inside the particle. In addition, it can couple phonons and light, giving rise to a previously unreported topological particle polariton mode. These effects may be useful in the areas of plasmonics, cavity electrodynamics and quantum information. PMID:27491515

Precise localization of metal nanoparticles in dendrimer nanosnakes or inner periphery and consequences in catalysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Xiang; Gregurec, Danijela; Irigoyen, Joseba; Martinez, Angel; Moya, Sergio; Ciganda, Roberto; Hermange, Philippe; Ruiz, Jaime; Astruc, Didier

2016-10-01

Understanding the relationship between the location of nanoparticles (NPs) in an organic matrix and their catalytic performances is essential for catalyst design. Here we show that catalytic activities of Au, Ag and CuNPs stabilized by dendrimers using coordination to intradendritic triazoles, galvanic replacement or stabilization outside dendrimers strongly depends on their location. AgNPs are found at the inner click dendrimer periphery, whereas CuNPs and AuNPs are encapsulated in click dendrimer nanosnakes. AuNPs and AgNPs formed by galvanic replacement are larger than precursors and only partly encapsulated. AuNPs are all the better 4-nitrophenol reduction catalysts as they are less sterically inhibited by the dendrimer interior, whereas on the contrary CuNPs are all the better alkyne azide cycloaddition catalysts as they are better protected from aerobic oxidation inside dendrimers. This work highlights the role of the location in macromolecules on the catalytic efficiency of metal nanoparticles and rationalizes optimization in catalyst engineering.

Understanding AuNP interaction with low-generation PAMAM dendrimers: a CIELab and deconvolution study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jimenez-Ruiz, A.; Carnerero, J. M.; Castillo, P. M.; Prado-Gotor, R.

2017-01-01

Low-generation polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimers are known to adsorb on the surface of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) causing aggregation and color changes. In this paper, a thorough study of this affinity using absorption spectroscopy, colorimetric, and emission methods has been carried out. Results show that, for citrate-capped gold nanoparticles, interaction with the dendrimer is not only of an electrostatic character but instead occurs, at least in part, through the dendrimer's uncharged internal amino groups. The possibilities of the CIELab chromaticity system parameters' evolution have also been explored in order to quantify dendrimer interaction with the red-colored nanoparticles. By measuring and quantifying 17 nm citrate-capped AuNP color changes, which are strongly dependant on their aggregation state, binding free energies are obtained for the first time for these systems. Results are confirmed via an alternate fitting method which makes use of deconvolution parameters from absorbance spectra. Binding free energies obtained through the use of both means are in good agreement with each other.

Taming interfacial electronic properties of platinum nanoparticles on vacancy-abundant boron nitride nanosheets for enhanced catalysis

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zhu, Wenshuai; Wu, Zili; Foo, Guo Shiou

Taming interfacial electronic effects on Pt nanoparticles modulated by their concomitants has emerged as an intriguing approach to optimize Pt catalytic performance. Here, we report Pt nanoparticles assembled on vacancy-abundant hexagonal boron nitride nanosheets and their use as a model catalyst to embrace an interfacial electronic effect on Pt induced by the nanosheets with N-vacancies and B-vacancies for superior CO oxidation catalysis. Experimental results indicate that strong interaction exists between Pt and the vacancies. Bader charge analysis shows that with Pt on B-vacancies, the nanosheets serve as a Lewis acid to accept electrons from Pt, and on the contrary, whenmore » Pt sits on N-vacancies, the nanosheets act as a Lewis base for donating electrons to Pt. The overall-electronic effect demonstrates an electron-rich feature of Pt after assembling on hexagonal boron nitride nanosheets. Such an interfacial electronic effect makes Pt favour the adsorption of O 2, alleviating CO poisoning and promoting the catalysis.« less

Taming interfacial electronic properties of platinum nanoparticles on vacancy-abundant boron nitride nanosheets for enhanced catalysis

DOE PAGES

Zhu, Wenshuai; Wu, Zili; Foo, Guo Shiou; ...

2017-06-09

Taming interfacial electronic effects on Pt nanoparticles modulated by their concomitants has emerged as an intriguing approach to optimize Pt catalytic performance. Here, we report Pt nanoparticles assembled on vacancy-abundant hexagonal boron nitride nanosheets and their use as a model catalyst to embrace an interfacial electronic effect on Pt induced by the nanosheets with N-vacancies and B-vacancies for superior CO oxidation catalysis. Experimental results indicate that strong interaction exists between Pt and the vacancies. Bader charge analysis shows that with Pt on B-vacancies, the nanosheets serve as a Lewis acid to accept electrons from Pt, and on the contrary, whenmore » Pt sits on N-vacancies, the nanosheets act as a Lewis base for donating electrons to Pt. The overall-electronic effect demonstrates an electron-rich feature of Pt after assembling on hexagonal boron nitride nanosheets. Such an interfacial electronic effect makes Pt favour the adsorption of O 2, alleviating CO poisoning and promoting the catalysis.« less

Alternating stacking of ferromagnetic nanosheet and nanoparticle films: heteroassembly and magneto-optical Kerr effect

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jia, Baoping; Zhang, Wei; Liu, Hui; Lin, Bencai; Ding, Jianning

2016-09-01

Heterostructured multilayer films of two different nanocrystals have been successfully fabricated by layer-by-layer stacking of Ti0.8Co0.2O2 nanosheet and Fe3O4 nanoparticle films. UV-Vis spectroscopy and AFM observation confirmed the successful alternating deposition in the multilayer buildup process. The average thickness of both Ti0.8Co0.2O2 nanosheet and Fe3O4 nanoparticle layers was determined to be about 1.4-1.7 and 5 nm, which was in good agreement with TEM results. Magneto-optical Kerr effect measurements demonstrated that the heteroassemblies exhibit gigantic magnetic circular dichroism (MCD) (2 × 104 deg/cm) at 320-360 nm, deriving from strong interlayer [Co2+]t2g-[Fe3+]eg d-d charge transfer which was further confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Their structure-dependent MCD showed high potential in rational design and construction of high-efficiency magneto-optical devices.

Carbon coated SnO2 nanoparticles anchored on CNT as a superior anode material for lithium-ion batteries.

PubMed

Ma, Chunrong; Zhang, Weimin; He, Yu-Shi; Gong, Qiang; Che, Haiying; Ma, Zi-Feng

2016-02-21

Hierarchically structured carbon coated SnO2 nanoparticles well-anchored on the surface of a CNT (C-SnO2/CNT) material were synthesized by a facile hydrothermal process and subsequent carbonization. The as-obtained C-SnO2/CNT hybrid, when applied as an anode material for lithium ion batteries (LIBs), showed a high reversible capacity up to 1572 mA h g(-1) at 200 mA g(-1) with a superior rate capability (685 mA h g(-1) at 4000 mA g(-1)). Even after 100 charge/discharge cycles at 1000 mA g(-1), a specific capacity of 1100 mA h g(-1) can still be maintained. Such impressive electrochemical performance can be mainly attributed to the hierarchical sandwiched structure and strong synergistic effects of the ultrafine SnO2 nanoparticles and the carbon coating, and thus presents this material a promising anode material for LIBs.

Interfacial self-assembled functional nanoparticle array: a facile surface-enhanced Raman scattering sensor for specific detection of trace analytes.

PubMed

Zhang, Kun; Ji, Ji; Li, Yixin; Liu, Baohong

2014-07-01

Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) has proven to be promising for the detection of trace analytes; however, the precise nanofabrication of a specific and sensitive plasmonic SERS-active substrate is still a major challenge that limits the scope of its applications. In this work, gold nanoparticles are self-assembled into densely packed two-dimensional arrays at a liquid/liquid interface between dimethyl carbonate and water in the absence of template controller molecules. Both the simulation and experiment results show that the particles within these film-like arrays exhibit strong electromagnetic coupling and enable large amplification of Raman signals. In order to realize the level of sensing specificity, the surface chemistry of gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) is rationally tailored by incorporating an appropriate chemical moiety that specifically captures molecules of interest. The ease of fabrication and good uniformity make this platform ideal for in situ SERS sensing of trace targets in complex samples.

Synthesis, characterization, and electrochemical behavior of Au@Pd core shell nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wicaksono, W. P.; Ivandini, T. A.

2017-04-01

Au@Pd core shell nanoparticles (Au@Pd CSNPs) were successfully synthesized using a seed-mediated growth method. Firstly, a pale pink gold seed solution was used to produce a pale purple gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) core solution. Then, three series of Pd shell thickness using 20μ, 100 μL, and 500 μL of PdCl2 produced purple, brown, and deep brown of Au@Pd CSNPs respectively. A strong absorbance UV-Visible spectrum with peaks at 285 nm and 535 nm was identified for AuNPs formation. The disappearance of the peak at 535 nm was indicated the Au@Pd CSNPs formation. The electrochemical properties were examined in phosphate buffer pH 7 using cyclic voltammetry technique with boron-doped diamond (BDD) as working electrode showed a couple oxidation and reduction peak of gold at 0.67 V and at 0.33 V, respectively. The Au@Pd CNPs will be used for modification of BDD electrodes.

Design of Magnetic Gelatine/Silica Nanocomposites by Nanoemulsification: Encapsulation versus in Situ Growth of Iron Oxide Colloids

PubMed Central

Allouche, Joachim; Chanéac, Corinne; Brayner, Roberta; Boissière, Michel; Coradin, Thibaud

2014-01-01

The design of magnetic nanoparticles by incorporation of iron oxide colloids within gelatine/silica hybrid nanoparticles has been performed for the first time through a nanoemulsion route using the encapsulation of pre-formed magnetite nanocrystals and the in situ precipitation of ferrous/ferric ions. The first method leads to bi-continuous hybrid nanocomposites containing a limited amount of well-dispersed magnetite colloids. In contrast, the second approach allows the formation of gelatine-silica core-shell nanostructures incorporating larger amounts of agglomerated iron oxide colloids. Both magnetic nanocomposites exhibit similar superparamagnetic behaviors. Whereas nanocomposites obtained via an in situ approach show a strong tendency to aggregate in solution, the encapsulation route allows further surface modification of the magnetic nanocomposites, leading to quaternary gold/iron oxide/silica/gelatine nanoparticles. Hence, such a first-time rational combination of nano-emulsion, nanocrystallization and sol-gel chemistry allows the elaboration of multi-component functional nanomaterials. This constitutes a step forward in the design of more complex bio-nanoplatforms. PMID:28344239

Design of Magnetic Gelatine/Silica Nanocomposites by Nanoemulsification: Encapsulation versus in Situ Growth of Iron Oxide Colloids.

PubMed

Allouche, Joachim; Chanéac, Corinne; Brayner, Roberta; Boissière, Michel; Coradin, Thibaud

2014-07-31

The design of magnetic nanoparticles by incorporation of iron oxide colloids within gelatine/silica hybrid nanoparticles has been performed for the first time through a nanoemulsion route using the encapsulation of pre-formed magnetite nanocrystals and the in situ precipitation of ferrous/ferric ions. The first method leads to bi-continuous hybrid nanocomposites containing a limited amount of well-dispersed magnetite colloids. In contrast, the second approach allows the formation of gelatine-silica core-shell nanostructures incorporating larger amounts of agglomerated iron oxide colloids. Both magnetic nanocomposites exhibit similar superparamagnetic behaviors. Whereas nanocomposites obtained via an in situ approach show a strong tendency to aggregate in solution, the encapsulation route allows further surface modification of the magnetic nanocomposites, leading to quaternary gold/iron oxide/silica/gelatine nanoparticles. Hence, such a first-time rational combination of nano-emulsion, nanocrystallization and sol-gel chemistry allows the elaboration of multi-component functional nanomaterials. This constitutes a step forward in the design of more complex bio-nanoplatforms.

Amino acid mediated synthesis of silver nanoparticles and preparation of antimicrobial agar/silver nanoparticles composite films.

PubMed

Shankar, Shiv; Rhim, Jong-Whan

2015-10-05

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized using amino acids (tyrosine and tryptophan) as reducing and capping agents, and they were incorporated into the agar to prepare antimicrobial composite films. The AgNPs solutions exhibited characteristic absorption peak at 420 nm that showed a red shift to ∼434 nm after forming composite with agar. XRD data demonstrated the crystalline structure of AgNPs with dominant (111) facet. Apparent surface color and transmittance of agar films were greatly influenced by the AgNPs. The incorporation of AgNPs into agar did not exhibit any change in chemical structure, thermal stability, moisture content, and water vapor permeability. The water contact angle, tensile strength, and modulus decreased slightly, but elongation at break increased after AgNPs incorporation. The agar/AgNPs nanocomposite films possessed strong antibacterial activity against Listeria monocytogenes and Escherichia coli. The agar/AgNPs film could be applied to the active food packaging by controlling the food-borne pathogens. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

MWCNT-MnFe2O4 nanocomposite for efficient hyperthermia applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Seal, Papori; Hazarika, Monalisa; Paul, Nibedita; Borah, J. P.

2018-04-01

In this work we present synthesis of multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)-Manganese ferrite (MnFe2O4) nanocomposite and its probable application in hyperthermia. MnFe2O4 nanoparticles were synthesized by co-precipitation method. X ray diffractogram (XRD) confirms the formation of cubic phase of MnFe2O4 with preferred crystallographic orientation along (311) plane. High resolution electron microscope (HRTEM) image of the composites confirms the presence of MnFe2O4 spherical nanoparticles on the surface of CNT which are bound strongly to the surface. MWCNT-MnFe2O4 nanocomposite were prepared after acid functionalization of MWCNT. Vibrational features of the synthesized samples were confirmed through Fourier transformed infra-red spectroscopy (FTIR). FTIR spectra of acid functionalized MWCNT shows a peak positioned at ˜1620cm-1 which corresponds to C=O functional group of carboxylic acid. Prepared MnFe2O4 nanoparticles and MWCNT-MnFe2O4 nanocomposites were subjected to hyperthermia studies.

Evidence of exchange-coupled behavior in chromium-cobalt ferrite nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tanbir, Kamar; Sharma, Lalit Kumar; Aakash; Singh, Rakesh Kumar; Choubey, Ravi Kant; Mukherjee, Samrat

2018-06-01

Cr doped cobalt ferrite nanoparticles were synthesized with the generic formula Co1-xCrxFe2O4 (x = 0, 0.05, 0.15, 0.25) through standard chemical co-precipitation method. XRD studies confirmed the pure spinel cubic structure belonging to Fd 3 bar m space group. From the Williamson-Hall plots, crystallite sizes were found to lie within the range (42 ± 1) nm for the different doped samples. The lattice parameter was found to decrease linearly with increase in the concentration of Cr3+ ion. The magnetic behavior of the samples was determined by M-H studies at 300 K, field cooled (5 T) at 5 K and temperature dependent studies. The M-H at 300 K show soft magnetic behavior whereas the M-H plots at 5 K predict the existence of in-homogeneity of the exchange interactions due to strong exchange coupling between the spins at the core and the surface of the nanoparticles.

Underwater superoleophobicity, anti-oil and ultra-broadband enhanced absorption of metallic surfaces produced by a femtosecond laser inspired by fish and chameleons

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yin, K.; Song, Y. X.; Dong, X. R.; Wang, C.; Duan, J. A.

2016-11-01

Reported here is the bio-inspired and robust function of underwater superoleophobic, anti-oil metallic surfaces with ultra-broadband enhanced optical absorption obtained through femtosecond laser micromachining. Three distinct surface structures are fabricated using a wide variety of processing parameters. Underwater superoleophobic and anti-oil surfaces containing coral-like microstructures with nanoparticles and mount-like microstructures are achieved. These properties of the as-prepared surfaces exhibit good chemical stability when exposed to various types of oils and when immersed in water with a wide range of pH values. Moreover, coral-like microstructures with nanoparticle surfaces show strongly enhanced optical absorption over a broadband wavelength range from 0.2-25 μm. The potential mechanism for the excellent performance of the coral-like microstructures with a nanoparticle surface is also discussed. This multifunctional surface has potential applications in military submarines, amphibious military aircraft and tanks, and underwater anti-oil optical counter-reconnaissance devices.

Synthesis and characterization of silver nanoparticles using fruit extract of Momordica cymbalaria and assessment of their in vitro antimicrobial, antioxidant and cytotoxicity activities.

PubMed

Swamy, Mallappa Kumara; Akhtar, Mohd Sayeed; Mohanty, Sudipta Kumar; Sinniah, Uma Rani

2015-12-05

Plant mediated synthesis of nanoparticles has been considered as green route and a reliable technique for the synthesis of nanoparticles due to its eco-friendly approach. In this study, we report a simple and eco-friendly approach for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using methanolic Momordica cymbalaria fruit extract as reducing agent. The fruit extract of M. cymbalaria exposed to AgNO3 solution showed the change in color from green to light yellow at room temperature within 1h of incubation confirms the synthesis of AgNPs. UV-vis spectra analysis revealed that the synthesized AgNPs had a sharp surface plasmon resonance at around 450 nm, while, the X-ray Diffraction (XRD) patterns confirmed distinctive peaks indices to the crystalline planes of the face centered cubic silver. The Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis results confirmed the presence of spherical shaped AgNPs by a huge disparity in the particle size distribution with an average size of 15.5 nm. The synthesized AgNPs showed strong antibacterial activity against all the tested multidrug resistant human pathogenic bacterial strains and also exhibited highest free radical scavenging activity (74.2%) compared to fruit extract (60.4%). Moreover, both fruit extract and the synthesized AgNPs showed the cytotoxicity towards Rat L6 skeletal muscle cell line at different concentrations, but the highest inhibition percentage was recorded for AgNPs at concentration of 100 μg/ml. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Thermal stability of supported gold nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Turba, Timothy Fredrick

Nanoparticle gold is of interest for a wide array of applications including catalysis, gas sensing, and light absorption for color filters and optical switches. Many of these applications are dependent upon the particles having sizes <5nm. In this paper, the thermal stability of nanoparticle gold is evaluated. Unsupported gold nanoparticles can grow (and in some cases double their size) even at room temperature. An important approach to stabilizing gold nanoparticles is through an interaction with a suitable substrate support material. Semiconductor substrates such as GaN are important supports for gold nanoparticles for applications such as sensors, but GaN does not provide a significant stabilizing effect at high temperatures. This paper covers a number of different substrate materials and in particular shows that for some substrates, such as SiO2, gold nanoparticles can be stable at temperatures up to 500°C, which is significantly above the Tammann temperature for bulk gold (395°C). In this dissertation, gold nanoparticles are shown to have complete stability on aluminum-supported silica nanosprings at 550°C in air. This stability window is one of the highest reported for nanoparticle gold and potentially enables a number of applications for this highly active catalyst. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements were performed before and after heating to 550°C to determine the nature of the interaction between gold and SiO2. A 1.2 eV drop in gold 4f binding energy after heating signified a shift to anionic gold particles (i.e., Au delta-) indicative of strong bonds to oxygen vacancies with neighboring Sidelta+ atoms. Heating in hydrogen at 550°C resulted in a binding energy decrease of 0.4 eV due to an increased fraction of particles with decreased coordination numbers (i.e., more atoms at edges and corners). Lastly, heating gold nanoparticles in an atmosphere of 10% relative humidity at 550°C resulted in apparent encapsulation of the gold.

Synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Dioscorea bulbifera tuber extract and evaluation of its synergistic potential in combination with antimicrobial agents

PubMed Central

Ghosh, Sougata; Patil, Sumersing; Ahire, Mehul; Kitture, Rohini; Kale, Sangeeta; Pardesi, Karishma; Cameotra, Swaranjit S; Bellare, Jayesh; Dhavale, Dilip D; Jabgunde, Amit; Chopade, Balu A

2012-01-01

Background Development of an environmentally benign process for the synthesis of silver nanomaterials is an important aspect of current nanotechnology research. Among the 600 species of the genus Dioscorea, Dioscorea bulbifera has profound therapeutic applications due to its unique phytochemistry. In this paper, we report on the rapid synthesis of silver nanoparticles by reduction of aqueous Ag+ ions using D. bulbifera tuber extract. Methods and results Phytochemical analysis revealed that D. bulbifera tuber extract is rich in flavonoid, phenolics, reducing sugars, starch, diosgenin, ascorbic acid, and citric acid. The biosynthesis process was quite fast, and silver nanoparticles were formed within 5 hours. Ultraviolet-visible absorption spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, and x-ray diffraction confirmed reduction of the Ag+ ions. Varied morphology of the bioreduced silver nanoparticles included spheres, triangles, and hexagons. Optimization studies revealed that the maximum rate of synthesis could be achieved with 0.7 mM AgNO3 solution at 50°C in 5 hours. The resulting silver nanoparticles were found to possess potent antibacterial activity against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. Beta-lactam (piperacillin) and macrolide (eryth-romycin) antibiotics showed a 3.6-fold and 3-fold increase, respectively, in combination with silver nanoparticles selectively against multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii. Notable synergy was seen between silver nanoparticles and chloramphenicol or vancomycin against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and was supported by a 4.9-fold and 4.2-fold increase in zone diameter, respectively. Similarly, we found a maximum 11.8-fold increase in zone diameter of streptomycin when combined with silver nanoparticles against E. coli, providing strong evidence for the synergistic action of a combination of antibiotics and silver nanoparticles. Conclusion This is the first report on the synthesis of silver nanoparticles using D. bulbifera tuber extract followed by an estimation of its synergistic potential for enhancement of the antibacterial activity of broad spectrum antimicrobial agents. PMID:22334779

Functionalized rare earth-doped nanoparticles for breast cancer nanodiagnostic using fluorescence and CT imaging.

PubMed

Jain, Akhil; Fournier, Pierrick G J; Mendoza-Lavaniegos, Vladimir; Sengar, Prakhar; Guerra-Olvera, Fernando M; Iñiguez, Enrique; Kretzschmar, Thomas G; Hirata, Gustavo A; Juárez, Patricia

2018-03-22

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among women and represents 14% of death in women around the world. The standard diagnosis method for breast tumor is mammography, which is often related with false-negative results leading to therapeutic delays and contributing indirectly to the development of metastasis. Therefore, the development of new tools that can detect breast cancer is an urgent need to reduce mortality in women. Here, we have developed Gd 2 O 3 :Eu 3+ nanoparticles functionalized with folic acid (FA), for breast cancer detection. Gd 2 O 3 :Eu 3+ nanoparticles were synthesized by sucrose assisted combustion synthesis and functionalized with FA using EDC-NHS coupling. The FA-conjugated Gd 2 O 3 :Eu 3+ nanoparticles exhibit strong red emission at 613 nm with a quantum yield of ~ 35%. In vitro cytotoxicity studies demonstrated that the nanoparticles had a negligible cytotoxic effect on normal 293T and T-47D breast cancer cells. Cellular uptake analysis showed significantly higher internalization of FA-conjugated RE nanoparticles into T-47D cells (Folr hi ) compared to MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells (Folr lo ). In vivo confocal and CT imaging studies indicated that FA-conjugated Gd 2 O 3 :Eu 3+ nanoparticles accumulated more efficiently in T-47D tumor xenograft compared to the MDA-MB-231 tumor. Moreover, we found that FA-conjugated Gd 2 O 3 :Eu 3+ nanoparticles were well tolerated at high doses (300 mg/kg) in CD1 mice after an intravenous injection. Thus, FA-conjugated Gd 2 O 3 :Eu 3+ nanoparticles have great potential to detect breast cancer. Our findings provide significant evidence that could permit the future clinical application of FA-conjugated Gd 2 O 3 :Eu 3+ nanoparticles alone or in combination with the current detection methods to increase its sensitivity and precision.

Synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Dioscorea bulbifera tuber extract and evaluation of its synergistic potential in combination with antimicrobial agents.

PubMed

Ghosh, Sougata; Patil, Sumersing; Ahire, Mehul; Kitture, Rohini; Kale, Sangeeta; Pardesi, Karishma; Cameotra, Swaranjit S; Bellare, Jayesh; Dhavale, Dilip D; Jabgunde, Amit; Chopade, Balu A

2012-01-01

Development of an environmentally benign process for the synthesis of silver nanomaterials is an important aspect of current nanotechnology research. Among the 600 species of the genus Dioscorea, Dioscorea bulbifera has profound therapeutic applications due to its unique phytochemistry. In this paper, we report on the rapid synthesis of silver nanoparticles by reduction of aqueous Ag(+) ions using D. bulbifera tuber extract. Phytochemical analysis revealed that D. bulbifera tuber extract is rich in flavonoid, phenolics, reducing sugars, starch, diosgenin, ascorbic acid, and citric acid. The biosynthesis process was quite fast, and silver nanoparticles were formed within 5 hours. Ultraviolet-visible absorption spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, and x-ray diffraction confirmed reduction of the Ag(+) ions. Varied morphology of the bioreduced silver nanoparticles included spheres, triangles, and hexagons. Optimization studies revealed that the maximum rate of synthesis could be achieved with 0.7 mM AgNO(3) solution at 50°C in 5 hours. The resulting silver nanoparticles were found to possess potent antibacterial activity against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. Beta-lactam (piperacillin) and macrolide (eryth-romycin) antibiotics showed a 3.6-fold and 3-fold increase, respectively, in combination with silver nanoparticles selectively against multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii. Notable synergy was seen between silver nanoparticles and chloramphenicol or vancomycin against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and was supported by a 4.9-fold and 4.2-fold increase in zone diameter, respectively. Similarly, we found a maximum 11.8-fold increase in zone diameter of streptomycin when combined with silver nanoparticles against E. coli, providing strong evidence for the synergistic action of a combination of antibiotics and silver nanoparticles. This is the first report on the synthesis of silver nanoparticles using D. bulbifera tuber extract followed by an estimation of its synergistic potential for enhancement of the antibacterial activity of broad spectrum antimicrobial agents.

Strongly coupled inorganic-nano-carbon hybrid materials for energy storage.

PubMed

Wang, Hailiang; Dai, Hongjie

2013-04-07

The global shift of energy production from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources requires more efficient and reliable electrochemical energy storage devices. In particular, the development of electric or hydrogen powered vehicles calls for much-higher-performance batteries, supercapacitors and fuel cells than are currently available. In this review, we present an approach to synthesize electrochemical energy storage materials to form strongly coupled hybrids (SC-hybrids) of inorganic nanomaterials and novel graphitic nano-carbon materials such as carbon nanotubes and graphene, through nucleation and growth of nanoparticles at the functional groups of oxidized graphitic nano-carbon. We show that the inorganic-nano-carbon hybrid materials represent a new approach to synthesize electrode materials with higher electrochemical performance than traditional counterparts made by simple physical mixtures of electrochemically active inorganic particles and conducting carbon materials. The inorganic-nano-carbon hybrid materials are novel due to possible chemical bonding between inorganic nanoparticles and oxidized carbon, affording enhanced charge transport and increased rate capability of electrochemical materials without sacrificing specific capacity. Nano-carbon with various degrees of oxidation provides a novel substrate for nanoparticle nucleation and growth. The interactions between inorganic precursors and oxidized-carbon substrates provide a degree of control over the morphology, size and structure of the resulting inorganic nanoparticles. This paper reviews the recent development of inorganic-nano-carbon hybrid materials for electrochemical energy storage and conversion, including the preparation and functionalization of graphene sheets and carbon nanotubes to impart oxygen containing groups and defects, and methods of synthesis of nanoparticles of various morphologies on oxidized graphene and carbon nanotubes. We then review the applications of the SC-hybrid materials for high performance lithium ion batteries, rechargeable Li-S and Li-O2 batteries, supercapacitors and ultrafast Ni-Fe batteries, and new electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction, oxygen evolution and hydrogen evolution reactions.

Synthesis of TiC Nanoparticles Anchored on Hollow Carbon Nanospheres for Enhanced Polysulfide Adsorption in Li-S Batteries.

PubMed

Cao, Bokai; Chen, Yong; Li, De; Yin, Lihong; Mo, Yan

2016-12-08

A novel spatial confinement strategy based on a carbon/TiO 2 /carbon sandwich structure is proposed to synthesize TiC nanoparticles anchored on hollow carbon nanospheres (TiC@C) through a carbothermal reduction reaction. During the synthesis process, two carbon layers not only serve as reductant to convert TiO 2 into TiC nanoparticles, but also create a spatial confinement to suppress the aggregation of TiO 2 , resulting in the formation of well-dispersed TiC nanoparticles. This unique TiC@C structure shows an outstanding long-term cycling stability at high rates owing to the strong physical and chemical adsorption of lithium polysulfides (i.e., a high capacity of 732.6 mA h g -1 at 1600 mA g -1 ) and it retains a capacity of 443.2 mA h g -1 after 1000 cycles, corresponding to a decay rate of only 0.0395 % per cycle. Therefore, this unique TiC@C composite could be considered as an important candidate for the cathode material in Li-S batteries. © 2016 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Dielectric relaxation behavior of colloidal suspensions of palladium nanoparticle chains dispersed in PVP/EG solution.

PubMed

Chen, Zhen; Zhao, Kong-Shuang; Guo, Lin; Feng, Cai-Hong

2007-04-28

Dielectric measurements were carried out on colloidal suspensions of palladium nanoparticle chains dispersed in poly(vinyl pyrrolidone)/ethylene glycol (PVP/EG) solution with different particle volume fractions, and dielectric relaxation with relaxation time distribution and small relaxation amplitude was observed in the frequency range from 10(5) to 10(7) Hz. By means of the method based on logarithmic derivative of the dielectric constant and a numerical Kramers-Kronig transform method, two dielectric relaxations were confirmed and dielectric parameters were determined from the dielectric spectra. The dielectric parameters showed a strong dependence on the volume fraction of palladium nanoparticle chain. Through analyzing limiting conductivity at low frequency, the authors found the conductance percolation phenomenon of the suspensions, and the threshold volume fraction is about 0.18. It was concluded from analyzing the dielectric parameters that the high frequency dielectric relaxation results from interfacial polarization and the low frequency dielectric relaxation is a consequence of counterion polarization. They also found that the dispersion state of the palladium nanoparticle chain in PVP/EG solution is dependent on the particle volume fraction, and this may shed some light on a better application of this kind of materials.

Electronic measurements in an alternating magnetic field (AMF) for studying magnetic nanoparticle hyperthermia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boekelheide, Z.; Hussein, Z. A.; Hartzell, S.

Magnetic nanoparticle hyperthermia is a promising cancer treatment in which magnetic nanoparticles are injected into a tumor and then exposed to an alternating magnetic field (AMF). This process releases heat and damages tumor cells, but the exact mechanisms behind the effectiveness of this therapy are still unclear. Accurate sensors are required to monitor the temperature and, potentially, other parameters such as magnetic field or mechanical stress during clinical therapy or lab research. Often, optical rather than electronic temperature sensors are used to avoid eddy current self-heating in conducting parts in the AMF. However, eddy current heating is strongly dependent on the size and geometry of the conducting part, thus micro- and nano-scale electronics are a promising possibility for further exploration into magnetic nanoparticle hyperthermia. This presentation quantitatively discusses the eddy current self-heating of thin wires (thermocouples) and will also present a proof of concept thin film resistive thermometer and magnetic field sensor along with measurements of their eddy current self-heating. The results show that electronic measurements are feasible in an AMF with both thin wires and patterned thin film sensors under certain conditions.

High Ultraviolet Absorption in Colloidal Gallium Nanoparticles Prepared from Thermal Evaporation

PubMed Central

Bravo, Iria; Catalan-Gomez, Sergio; Vázquez, Luis; Lorenzo, Encarnación; Pau, Jose Luis

2017-01-01

New methods for the production of colloidal Ga nanoparticles (GaNPs) are introduced based on the evaporation of gallium on expendable aluminum zinc oxide (AZO) layer. The nanoparticles can be prepared in aqueous or organic solvents such as tetrahydrofuran in order to be used in different sensing applications. The particles had a quasi mono-modal distribution with diameters ranging from 10 nm to 80 nm, and their aggregation status depended on the solvent nature. Compared to common chemical synthesis, our method assures higher yield with the possibility of tailoring particles size by adjusting the deposition time. The GaNPs have been studied by spectrophotometry to obtain the absorption spectra. The colloidal solutions exhibit strong plasmonic absorption in the ultra violet (UV) region around 280 nm, whose width and intensity mainly depend on the nanoparticles dimensions and their aggregation state. With regard to the colloidal GaNPs flocculate behavior, the water solvent case has been investigated for different pH values, showing UV-visible absorption because of the formation of NPs clusters. Using discrete dipole approximation (DDA) method simulations, a close connection between the UV absorption and NPs with a diameter smaller than ~40 nm was observed. PMID:28684687

The type of adjuvant strongly influences the T-cell response during nanoparticle-based immunization

PubMed Central

Knuschke, Torben; Epple, Matthias; Westendorf, Astrid M

2014-01-01

Potent vaccines require the ability to effectively induce immune responses. Especially for the control of infectious diseases with intracellular pathogens, like viruses or bacteria, potent T-cell responses are indispensable. Several delivery systems such as nanoparticles have been considered to boost the immunogenicity of pathogen derived peptides or subunits for the induction of potent T-cell responses. Since they can be further functionalized with immunostimulants, like Toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists, they improve the response by enhanced activation of the innate immune system. Currently, TLR agonists like unmethylated CpG oligonucleotides and the synthetic dsRNA derivate polyriboinosinic acid-polyribocytidylic acid (poly[I:C]) are widely used as vaccine adjuvants. CpG and poly(I:C) trigger different TLRs and therefore show differential signal transduction. Recently, we established biodegradable calcium phosphate (CaP) nanoparticles as potent T cell inducing vaccination vehicles. In this commentary we discuss the role of CpG and poly(I:C) for the effective induction of virus-specific T cells during immunization with CaP nanoparticles. The presented results underline the importance of the right formulation of vaccines for specific immunization purpose. PMID:23982325

Direct nucleation of silver nanoparticles on graphene sheet.

PubMed

Singh, Manoj K; Titus, E; Krishna, R; Hawaldar, R R; Goncalves, G; Marques, P A A P; Gracio, J

2012-08-01

Silver (Ag) nanoparticles were synthesized on the surface of graphene sheet by the simultaneous reduction of Ag+ and graphene oxide (GO) in the presence of simple reducing agent, hydrazine hydrate (N2H4 x H2O). Both the Ag+ and GO were reduced and Ag+ was nucleated onto graphene. GO flakes were prepared by conventional chemical exfoliation method and in the presence of strong acidic medium of potassium chlorate. Silver nanoparticles were prepared using 0.01 M AgNO3 solution. The reduced GO sheet decorated with Ag is referred as G-Ag sample. G-Ag was characterized by FTIR (Fourier transform infrared) spectroscopy using GO as standard. An explicit alkene peak appeared around 1625 cm(-1) was observed in G-Ag sample. Besides, the characteristic carbonyl and hydroxyl peaks shows well reduction of GO. The FTIR therefore confirms the direct interaction of Ag into Graphene. SEM (scanning electron microscopy) and TEM (transmission electron microscopy) analysis were performed for morphological probing. The average size of Ag nanoparticles was confirmed by around 5-10 nm by the high-resolution TEM (HRTEM). The Ag quantum dots incorporated nanocomposite material could become prominent candidate for diverse applications including photovoltaic, catalysis, and biosensors etc.

Green engineered biomolecule-capped silver and copper nanohybrids using Prosopis cineraria leaf extract: Enhanced antibacterial activity against microbial pathogens of public health relevance and cytotoxicity on human breast cancer cells (MCF-7).

PubMed

Jinu, U; Gomathi, M; Saiqa, I; Geetha, N; Benelli, G; Venkatachalam, P

2017-04-01

This research focused on green engineering and characterization of silver (PcAgNPs) and copper nanoparticles (PcCuNPs) using Prosopis cineraria (Pc) leaf extract prepared by using microwave irradiation. We studied their enhanced antimicrobial activity on human pathogens as well as cytotoxicity on breast cancer cells (MCF-7). Biofabricated silver and copper nanoparticles exhibited UV-Visible absorbance peaks at 420 nm and 575 nm, confirming the bioreduction and stabilization of nanoparticles. Nanoparticles were characterized by FTIR, XRD, FESEM, and EDX analysis. FTIR results indicated the presence of alcohols, alkanes, aromatics, phenols, ethers, benzene, amines and amides that were possibly involved in the reduction and capping of silver and copper ions. XRD analysis was performed to confirm the crystalline nature of the silver and copper nanoparticles. FESEM analysis suggested that the nanoparticles were hexagonal or spherical in shape with size ranging from 20 to 44.49 nm and 18.9-32.09 nm for AgNPs and CuNPs, respectively. EDX analysis confirmed the presence of silver and copper elemental signals in the nanoparticles. The bioengineered silver and copper nanohybrids showed enhanced antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative MDR human pathogens. MTT assay results indicated that CuNPs show potential cytotoxic effect followed by AgNPs against MCF-7 cancer cell line. IC 50 were 65.27 μg/ml, 37.02 μg/ml and 197.3 μg/ml for PcAgNPs, PcCuNPs and P. cineraria leaf extracts, respectively, treated MCF-7 cells. The present investigation highlighted an effective protocol for microwave-assisted synthesis of biomolecule-loaded silver and copper nanoparticles with enhanced antibacterial and anticancer activity. Results strongly suggested that bioengineered AgNPs and CuNPs could be used as potential tools against microbial pathogens and cancer cells. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A novel one-pot green synthesis of selenium nanoparticles and evaluation of its toxicity in zebrafish embryos.

PubMed

Kalishwaralal, Kalimuthu; Jeyabharathi, Subhaschandrabose; Sundar, Krishnan; Muthukumaran, Azhaguchamy

2016-01-01

Over the last 50 years, compelling evidence has accumulated on the beneficial role of selenium in human health. In the present study, different proteins were evaluated as reducing agents for the eco-friendly synthesis of selenium nanoparticles from an aqueous solution of sodium selenite. This method is a simple, low cost green synthesis alternative to chemical synthesis. The high conversion of selenium ions to selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) was achieved by a reaction mixture of 0.1 g bovine serum albumin and 0.1 g sodium selenite at a reaction temperature of 121°C for 20 min duration. The selenium nanoparticles were characterized by fourier transform infrared (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The FTIR spectral bands were sharp with strong absorption peaks at 1649 and 1551 cm(-1). SEM analysis of the synthesized selenium nanoparticles clearly showed the spherical shape with an average size ranging from 500 to 600 nm. The toxicity of SeNPs was evaluated using zebrafish embryos as a model system. SeNPs induced malformations in zebrafish embryos in a concentration-dependent manner. Selenium nanoparticles at 15-25 μg/ml concentration caused pericardial edema, tail malformation and decrease in heart rate in zebrafish embryos. Treatments with lower concentrations did not alter the heart rate or display any heart abnormalities. This study underlines the importance of identifying optimal SeNP concentration that could have potential therapeutic applications.

Gold nanoparticles delivery in mammalian live cells: a critical review

PubMed Central

Lévy, Raphaël; Shaheen, Umbreen; Cesbron, Yann; Sée, Violaine

2010-01-01

Functional nanomaterials have recently attracted strong interest from the biology community, not only as potential drug delivery vehicles or diagnostic tools, but also as optical nanomaterials. This is illustrated by the explosion of publications in the field with more than 2,000 publications in the last 2 years (4,000 papers since 2000; from ISI Web of Knowledge, ‘nanoparticle and cell’ hit). Such a publication boom in this novel interdisciplinary field has resulted in papers of unequal standard, partly because it is challenging to assemble the required expertise in chemistry, physics, and biology in a single team. As an extreme example, several papers published in physical chemistry journals claim intracellular delivery of nanoparticles, but show pictures of cells that are, to the expert biologist, evidently dead (and therefore permeable). To attain proper cellular applications using nanomaterials, it is critical not only to achieve efficient delivery in healthy cells, but also to control the intracellular availability and the fate of the nanomaterial. This is still an open challenge that will only be met by innovative delivery methods combined with rigorous and quantitative characterization of the uptake and the fate of the nanoparticles. This review mainly focuses on gold nanoparticles and discusses the various approaches to nanoparticle delivery, including surface chemical modifications and several methods used to facilitate cellular uptake and endosomal escape. We will also review the main detection methods and how their optimum use can inform about intracellular localization, efficiency of delivery, and integrity of the surface capping. PMID:22110850

Perpendicular magnetic anisotropy in granular multilayers of CoPd alloyed nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vivas, L. G.; Rubín, J.; Figueroa, A. I.; Bartolomé, F.; García, L. M.; Deranlot, C.; Petroff, F.; Ruiz, L.; González-Calbet, J. M.; Pascarelli, S.; Brookes, N. B.; Wilhelm, F.; Chorro, M.; Rogalev, A.; Bartolomé, J.

2016-05-01

Co-Pd multilayers obtained by Pd capping of pre-deposited Co nanoparticles on amorphous alumina are systematically studied by means of high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction, extended x-ray absorption fine structure, SQUID-based magnetometry, and x-ray magnetic circular dichroism. The films are formed by CoPd alloyed nanoparticles self-organized across the layers, with the interspace between the nanoparticles filled by the non-alloyed Pd metal. The nanoparticles show atomic arrangements compatible with short-range chemical order of L 10 strucure type. The collective magnetic behavior is that of ferromagnetically coupled particles with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy, irrespective of the amount of deposited Pd. For increasing temperature three magnetic phases are identified: hard ferromagnetic with strong coercive field, soft-ferromagnetic as in an amorphous asperomagnet, and superparamagnetic. Increasing the amount of Pd in the system leads to both magnetic hardness increment and higher transition temperatures. Magnetic total moments of 1.77(4) μB and 0.45(4) μB are found at Co and Pd sites, respectively, where the orbital moment of Co, 0.40(2) μB, is high, while that of Pd is negligible. The effective magnetic anisotropy is the largest in the capping metal series (Pd, Pt, W, Cu, Ag, Au), which is attributed to the interparticle interaction between de nanoparticles, in addition to the intraparticle anisotropy arising from hybridization between the 3 d -4 d bands associated to the Co and Pd chemical arrangement in a L 10 structure type.

Dispersions of Goethite Nanorods in Aprotic Polar Solvents

PubMed Central

Coursault, Delphine; Dozov, Ivan; Nobili, Maurizio; Dupont, Laurent; Chanéac, Corinne

2017-01-01

Colloidal suspensions of anisotropic nanoparticles can spontaneously self-organize in liquid-crystalline phases beyond some concentration threshold. These phases often respond to electric and magnetic fields. At lower concentrations, usual isotropic liquids are observed but they can display very strong Kerr and Cotton-Mouton effects (i.e., field-induced particle orientation). For many examples of these colloidal suspensions, the solvent is water, which hinders most electro-optic applications. Here, for goethite (α-FeOOH) nanorod dispersions, we show that water can be replaced by polar aprotic solvents, such as N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) and dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), without loss of colloidal stability. By polarized-light microscopy, small-angle X-ray scattering and electro-optic measurements, we found that the nematic phase, with its field-response properties, is retained. Moreover, a strong Kerr effect was also observed with isotropic goethite suspensions in these polar aprotic solvents. Furthermore, we found no significant difference in the behavior of both the nematic and isotropic phases between the aqueous and non-aqueous dispersions. Our work shows that goethite nanorod suspensions in polar aprotic solvents, suitable for electro-optic applications, can easily be produced and that they keep all their outstanding properties. It also suggests that this solvent replacement method could be extended to the aqueous colloidal suspensions of other kinds of charged anisotropic nanoparticles. PMID:29039797

Magnetite pollution nanoparticles in the human brain

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maher, Barbara A.; Ahmed, Imad A. M.; Karloukovski, Vassil; MacLaren, Donald A.; Foulds, Penelope G.; Allsop, David; Mann, David M. A.; Torres-Jardón, Ricardo; Calderon-Garciduenas, Lilian

2016-09-01

Biologically formed nanoparticles of the strongly magnetic mineral, magnetite, were first detected in the human brain over 20 y ago [Kirschvink JL, Kobayashi-Kirschvink A, Woodford BJ (1992) Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 89(16):7683-7687]. Magnetite can have potentially large impacts on the brain due to its unique combination of redox activity, surface charge, and strongly magnetic behavior. We used magnetic analyses and electron microscopy to identify the abundant presence in the brain of magnetite nanoparticles that are consistent with high-temperature formation, suggesting, therefore, an external, not internal, source. Comprising a separate nanoparticle population from the euhedral particles ascribed to endogenous sources, these brain magnetites are often found with other transition metal nanoparticles, and they display rounded crystal morphologies and fused surface textures, reflecting crystallization upon cooling from an initially heated, iron-bearing source material. Such high-temperature magnetite nanospheres are ubiquitous and abundant in airborne particulate matter pollution. They arise as combustion-derived, iron-rich particles, often associated with other transition metal particles, which condense and/or oxidize upon airborne release. Those magnetite pollutant particles which are <˜200 nm in diameter can enter the brain directly via the olfactory bulb. Their presence proves that externally sourced iron-bearing nanoparticles, rather than their soluble compounds, can be transported directly into the brain, where they may pose hazard to human health.

Magnetite pollution nanoparticles in the human brain.

PubMed

Maher, Barbara A; Ahmed, Imad A M; Karloukovski, Vassil; MacLaren, Donald A; Foulds, Penelope G; Allsop, David; Mann, David M A; Torres-Jardón, Ricardo; Calderon-Garciduenas, Lilian

2016-09-27

Biologically formed nanoparticles of the strongly magnetic mineral, magnetite, were first detected in the human brain over 20 y ago [Kirschvink JL, Kobayashi-Kirschvink A, Woodford BJ (1992) Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 89(16):7683-7687]. Magnetite can have potentially large impacts on the brain due to its unique combination of redox activity, surface charge, and strongly magnetic behavior. We used magnetic analyses and electron microscopy to identify the abundant presence in the brain of magnetite nanoparticles that are consistent with high-temperature formation, suggesting, therefore, an external, not internal, source. Comprising a separate nanoparticle population from the euhedral particles ascribed to endogenous sources, these brain magnetites are often found with other transition metal nanoparticles, and they display rounded crystal morphologies and fused surface textures, reflecting crystallization upon cooling from an initially heated, iron-bearing source material. Such high-temperature magnetite nanospheres are ubiquitous and abundant in airborne particulate matter pollution. They arise as combustion-derived, iron-rich particles, often associated with other transition metal particles, which condense and/or oxidize upon airborne release. Those magnetite pollutant particles which are <∼200 nm in diameter can enter the brain directly via the olfactory bulb. Their presence proves that externally sourced iron-bearing nanoparticles, rather than their soluble compounds, can be transported directly into the brain, where they may pose hazard to human health.

Aggregation state and magnetic properties of magnetite nanoparticles controlled by an optimized silica coating

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pérez, Nicolás; Moya, C.; Tartaj, P.; Labarta, A.; Batlle, X.

2017-01-01

The control of magnetic interactions is becoming essential to expand/improve the applicability of magnetic nanoparticles (NPs). Here, we show that an optimized microemulsion method can be used to obtain homogenous silica coatings on even single magnetic nuclei of highly crystalline Fe3-xO4 NPs (7 and 16 nm) derived from a high-temperature method. We show that the thickness of this coating is controlled almost at will allowing much higher average separation among particles as compared to the oleic acid coating present on pristine NPs. Magnetic susceptibility studies show that the thickness of the silica coating allows the control of magnetic interactions. Specifically, as this effect is better displayed for the smallest particles, we show that dipole-dipole interparticle interactions can be tuned progressively for the 7 nm NPs, from almost non-interacting to strongly interacting particles at room temperature. The quantitative analysis of the magnetic properties unambiguously suggests that dipolar interactions significantly broaden the effective distribution of energy barriers by spreading the distribution of activation magnetic volumes.

Label-free Raman spectroscopy for accessing intracellular anticancer drug release on gold nanoparticles.

PubMed

Ock, Kwang-Su; Ganbold, Erdene Ochir; Park, Jin; Cho, Keunchang; Joo, Sang-Woo; Lee, So Yeong

2012-06-21

We investigated glutathione (GSH)-induced purine or pyrimidine anticancer drug release on gold nanoparticle (AuNP) surfaces by means of label-free Raman spectroscopy. GSH-triggered releases of 6-thioguanine (6TG), gemcitabine (GEM), acycloguanosine (ACY), and fadrozole (FAD) were examined in a comparative way by means of surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). The GSH-induced dissociation constant of GEM (or ACY/FAD) from AuNPs was estimated to be larger by more than 38 times than that of 6TG from the kinetic relationship. Tripeptide control experiments were presented to check the turn-off Raman signalling mechanism. Dark-field microscopy (DFM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) indicated the intracellular AuNP loads. After their cellular uptake, GEM, ACY, and FAD would not show SERS intensities as strong as 6TG. This may be due to easier release of GEM, ACY, and FAD than 6TG by intracellular reducing species including GSH. We observed fairly strong SERS signals of GEM and 6TG in cell culture media solution. Our CCK-8 cytotoxicity assay data support that 6TG-AuNPs did not exhibit a substantial decrease in cell viability presumably due to strong binding. Label-free confocal Raman spectroscopy can be utilized as an effective tool to access intracellular anticancer drug release.

Strong catalytic activity of iron nanoparticles on the surfaces of reduced olivine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tucker, William C.; Quadery, Abrar H.; Schulte, Alfons; Blair, Richard G.; Kaden, William E.; Schelling, Patrick K.; Britt, Daniel T.

2018-01-01

It is demonstrated that olivine powders heated to subsolidus temperatures in reducing conditions can develop significant concentrations of 10-50 nm diameter Fe nanoparticles on grain surfaces and that these display strong catalytic activity not observed in powders without Fe nanoparticles. Reduced surfaces were exposed to NH3, CO, and H2, volatiles that may be present on the surfaces of comet and volatile-rich asteroids. In the case of NH3 exposure, rapid decomposition was observed. When exposed to a mixture of CO and H2, significant coking of the mineral surfaces occurred. Analysis of the mineral grains after reaction indicated primarily the presence of graphene or graphitic carbon. The results demonstrate that strong chemical activity can be expected at powders that contain nanophase Fe particles. This suggests space-weathered mineral surfaces may play an important role in the synthesis and processing of organic species. This processing may be part of the weathering processes of volatile-rich but atmosphereless solar-system bodies.

Sulfur and sulfur nanoparticles as potential antimicrobials: from traditional medicine to nanomedicine.

PubMed

Rai, Mahendra; Ingle, Avinash P; Paralikar, Priti

2016-10-01

The alarming rate of infections caused by various pathogens and development of their resistance towards a large number of antimicrobial agents has generated an essential need to search for novel and effective antimicrobial agents. Metal nanoparticles such as silver have been widely used and accepted as strong antimicrobial agents, but considering the cost effectiveness and significant bioactivities, researchers are looking to utilize sulfur nanoparticles as an effective alternative to silver nanoparticles. This review has been focused on different approaches for the synthesis of sulfur nanoparticles, their broad spectrum bioactivities and possible mechanisms involved in their bioactivities. Expert commentary: Sulfur nanoparticles are reported to possess broad spectrum antimicrobial activity, and hence can be used to treat microbial infections and potentially tackle the problem of antibiotic resistance. Thus, in the future, sulfur nanoparticles can be used as an effective, non-toxic and economically viable alternative to other precious metal nanoparticles.

Behaviour of nematic liquid crystals doped with ferroelectric nanoparticles in the presence of an electric field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Emdadi, M.; Poursamad, J. B.; Sahrai, M.; Moghaddas, F.

2018-06-01

A planar nematic liquid crystal cell (NLC) doped with spherical ferroelectric nanoparticles is considered. Polarisation of the nanoparticles are assumed to be along the NLC molecules parallel and antiparallel to the director with equal probability. The NLC molecules anchoring to the cell walls are considered to be strong, while soft anchoring at the nanoparticles surface is supposed. Behaviour of the NLC molecules and nanoparticles in the presence of a perpendicular electric field to the NLC cell is theoretically investigated. The electric field of the nanoparticles is taken into account in the calculations. Freedericksz transition (FT) threshold field in the presence of nanoparticles is found. Then, the director and particles reorientations for the electric fields larger than the threshold field are studied. Measuring the onset of the nanoparticles reorientation is proposed as a new method for the FT threshold measurement.

Laser printing of silicon nanoparticles with resonant optical electric and magnetic responses.

PubMed

Zywietz, Urs; Evlyukhin, Andrey B; Reinhardt, Carsten; Chichkov, Boris N

2014-03-04

Silicon nanoparticles with sizes of a few hundred nanometres exhibit unique optical properties due to their strong electric and magnetic dipole responses in the visible range. Here we demonstrate a novel laser printing technique for the controlled fabrication and precise deposition of silicon nanoparticles. Using femtosecond laser pulses it is possible to vary the size of Si nanoparticles and their crystallographic phase. Si nanoparticles produced by femtosecond laser printing are initially in an amorphous phase (a-Si). They can be converted into the crystalline phase (c-Si) by irradiating them with a second femtosecond laser pulse. The resonance-scattering spectrum of c-Si nanoparticles, compared with that of a-Si nanoparticles, is blue shifted and its peak intensity is about three times higher. Resonant optical responses of dielectric nanoparticles are characterized by accumulation of electromagnetic energy in the excited modes, which can be used for the realization of nanoantennas, nanolasers and metamaterials.

The effects of collagen-rich extracellular matrix on the intracellular delivery of glycol chitosan nanoparticles in human lung fibroblasts.

PubMed

Yhee, Ji Young; Yoon, Hong Yeol; Kim, Hyunjoon; Jeon, Sangmin; Hergert, Polla; Im, Jintaek; Panyam, Jayanth; Kim, Kwangmeyung; Nho, Richard Seonghun

2017-01-01

Recent progress in nanomedicine has shown a strong possibility of targeted therapy for obstinate chronic lung diseases including idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). IPF is a fatal lung disease characterized by persistent fibrotic fibroblasts in response to type I collagen-rich extracellular matrix. As a pathological microenvironment is important in understanding the biological behavior of nanoparticles, in vitro cellular uptake of glycol chitosan nanoparticles (CNPs) in human lung fibroblasts was comparatively studied in the presence or absence of type I collagen matrix. Primary human lung fibroblasts from non-IPF and IPF patients (n=6/group) showed significantly increased cellular uptake of CNPs (>33.6-78.1 times) when they were cultured on collagen matrix. To elucidate the underlying mechanism of enhanced cellular delivery of CNPs in lung fibroblasts on collagen, cells were pretreated with chlorpromazine, genistein, and amiloride to inhibit clathrin-mediated endocytosis, caveolae-mediated endocytosis, and macropinocytosis, respectively. Amiloride pretreatment remarkably reduced the cellular uptake of CNPs, suggesting that lung fibroblasts mainly utilize the macropinocytosis-dependent mechanism when interacted with collagen. In addition, the internalization of CNPs was predominantly suppressed by a phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitor in IPF fibroblasts, indicating that enhanced PI3K activity associated with late-stage macropinocytosis can be particularly important for the enhanced cellular delivery of CNPs in IPF fibroblasts. Our study strongly supports the concept that a pathological microenvironment which surrounds lung fibroblasts has a significant impact on the intracellular delivery of nanoparticles. Based on the property of enhanced intracellular delivery of CNPs when fibroblasts are made to interact with a collagen-rich matrix, we suggest that CNPs may have great potential as a drug-carrier system for targeting fibrotic lung fibroblasts.

Synthesis and characterization of RuS2 nanostructures.

PubMed

Díaz, David; Castillo-Blum, Silvia E; Alvarez-Fregoso, Octavio; Rodríguez-Gattorno, Geonel; Santiago-Jacinto, Patricia; Rendon, Luis; Ortiz-Frade, Luis; León-Paredes, Yolia-Judith

2005-12-08

Small naked ruthenium sulfide nanoparticles (NPs) with narrow size distribution (2.5 +/- 0.4 nm of diameter) were synthesized in DMSO colloidal dispersions, under mild reaction conditions and using commercial RuCl3 as precursor. To test the chemical reactivity with soft and hard bases, fresh presynthesized RuS2 colloids were mixed with triethylamine (N(Et)3) and ammonium tetrathiomolybdate ((NH4)2MoS4) dimethyl sulfoxide solutions. Naked N(Et)3 and [MoS4](2-)-capped RuS2 nanoparticle colloids were characterized using UV-visible electronic absorption and emission spectroscopies and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM). It has also been shown that capped RuS2-[MoS4]2- nanoparticles yield MoO3 crystalline matrix by means of HR-TEM experiments. The emission spectra of RuS2 and N(Et)3-RuS2 dispersions show that both nanosized materials have strong fluorescence. The existence of the ruthenium precursor species in solution was established by cyclic voltammetry. Moreover, naked RuS2 NPs were mixed with a chemical mixture with composition similar to gasoline (dibenzothiophene (Bz2S, 400 ppm), hexane, and toluene (55:45% v/v)). The reaction mixture consisted of two phases; in the polar phase, we found evidences of a strong interaction of Bz2S and toluene with the naked RuS2 NPs. We have also obtained self-organized thin films of capped N(Et)3- and RuS2-[MoS4]2- nanoparticles. In both cases, the shape and thickness of the resulting thin films were controlled by a dynamic vacuum procedure. The thin films have been characterized by atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, HR-TEM, energy dispersion spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and absorbance and fluorescence spectroscopies.

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using cell extracts of Anabaena doliolum and screening of its antibacterial and antitumor activity.

PubMed

Singh, Garvita; Babele, Piyoosh K; Shahi, Shailesh K; Sinha, Rajeshwar P; Tyagi, Madhu B; Kumar, Ashok

2014-10-01

In the present work, we describe a simple, cheap, and unexplored method for "green" synthesis of silver nanoparticles using cell extracts of the cyanobacterium Anabaena doliolum. An attempt was also made to test the antimicrobial and antitumor activities of the synthesized nanoparticles. Analytical techniques, namely UV-vis spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and TEMselected area electron diffraction, were used to elucidate the formation and characterization of silver-cyanobacterial nanoparticles (Ag-CNPs). Results showed that the original color of the cell extract changed from reddish blue to dark brown after addition of silver nitrate solution (1 mM) within 1 h, suggesting the synthesis of Ag-CNPs. That the formation Ag-CNPs indeed occurred was also evident from the spectroscopic analysis of the reaction mixture, wherein a prominent peak at 420 nm was noted. TEM images revealed well-dispersed, spherical Ag- CNPs with a particle size in the range of 10-50 nm. The X-ray diffraction spectrum suggested a crystalline nature of the Ag-CNPs. FTIR analysis indicated the utilization of a hydroxyl (-OH) group in the formation of Ag-CNPs. Ag-CNPs exhibited strong antibacterial activity against three multidrug-resistant bacteria. Additionally, Ag-CNPs strongly affected the survival of Dalton's lymphoma and human carcinoma colo205 cells at a very low concentration. The Ag-CNPs-induced loss of survival of both cell types may be due to the induction of reactive oxygen species generation and DNA fragmentation, resulting in apoptosis. Properties exhibited by the Ag-CNP suggest that it may be used as a potential antibacterial and antitumor agent.

The effects of collagen-rich extracellular matrix on the intracellular delivery of glycol chitosan nanoparticles in human lung fibroblasts

PubMed Central

Yhee, Ji Young; Yoon, Hong Yeol; Kim, Hyunjoon; Jeon, Sangmin; Hergert, Polla; Im, Jintaek; Panyam, Jayanth; Kim, Kwangmeyung; Nho, Richard Seonghun

2017-01-01

Recent progress in nanomedicine has shown a strong possibility of targeted therapy for obstinate chronic lung diseases including idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). IPF is a fatal lung disease characterized by persistent fibrotic fibroblasts in response to type I collagen-rich extracellular matrix. As a pathological microenvironment is important in understanding the biological behavior of nanoparticles, in vitro cellular uptake of glycol chitosan nanoparticles (CNPs) in human lung fibroblasts was comparatively studied in the presence or absence of type I collagen matrix. Primary human lung fibroblasts from non-IPF and IPF patients (n=6/group) showed significantly increased cellular uptake of CNPs (>33.6–78.1 times) when they were cultured on collagen matrix. To elucidate the underlying mechanism of enhanced cellular delivery of CNPs in lung fibroblasts on collagen, cells were pretreated with chlorpromazine, genistein, and amiloride to inhibit clathrin-mediated endocytosis, caveolae-mediated endocytosis, and macropinocytosis, respectively. Amiloride pretreatment remarkably reduced the cellular uptake of CNPs, suggesting that lung fibroblasts mainly utilize the macropinocytosis-dependent mechanism when interacted with collagen. In addition, the internalization of CNPs was predominantly suppressed by a phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitor in IPF fibroblasts, indicating that enhanced PI3K activity associated with late-stage macropinocytosis can be particularly important for the enhanced cellular delivery of CNPs in IPF fibroblasts. Our study strongly supports the concept that a pathological microenvironment which surrounds lung fibroblasts has a significant impact on the intracellular delivery of nanoparticles. Based on the property of enhanced intracellular delivery of CNPs when fibroblasts are made to interact with a collagen-rich matrix, we suggest that CNPs may have great potential as a drug-carrier system for targeting fibrotic lung fibroblasts. PMID:28860768

Effects on structural, optical, and magnetic properties of pure and Sr-substituted MgFe2O4 nanoparticles at different calcination temperatures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Loganathan, A.; Kumar, K.

2016-06-01

In the present work, pure and Sr2+ ions substituted Mg ferrite nanoparticles (NPs) had been prepared by co-precipitation method and their structural, optical, and magnetic properties at different calcination temperatures were studied. On this purpose, thermo gravimetric and differential thermal analysis (TG-DTA), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy, UV-Visible diffused reflectance spectroscopy, impedance spectroscopy, and vibrating sample magnetometer were carried out. The exo- and endothermic processes of synthesized precursors were investigated by TG-DTA measurements. The structural properties of the obtained products were examined by XRD analysis and show that the synthesized NPs are in the cubic spinel structure. The existence of two bands around 578-583 and 430-436 cm-1 in FT-IR spectrum also confirmed the formation of spinel-structured ferrite NPs. The lattice constants and particle size are estimated using XRD data and found to be strongly dependent on calcination temperatures. The optical, electrical, and magnetic properties of ferrite compositions also investigated and found to be strongly dependant on calcination temperatures.

Hotspot-mediated non-dissipative and ultrafast plasmon passage

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roller, Eva-Maria; Besteiro, Lucas V.; Pupp, Claudia; Khorashad, Larousse Khosravi; Govorov, Alexander O.; Liedl, Tim

2017-08-01

Plasmonic nanoparticles hold great promise as photon handling elements and as channels for coherent transfer of energy and information in future all-optical computing devices. Coherent energy oscillations between two spatially separated plasmonic entities via a virtual middle state exemplify electron-based population transfer, but their realization requires precise nanoscale positioning of heterogeneous particles. Here, we show the assembly and optical analysis of a triple-particle system consisting of two gold nanoparticles with an inter-spaced silver island. We observe strong plasmonic coupling between the spatially separated gold particles, mediated by the connecting silver particle, with almost no dissipation of energy. As the excitation energy of the silver island exceeds that of the gold particles, only quasi-occupation of the silver transfer channel is possible. We describe this effect both with exact classical electrodynamic modelling and qualitative quantum-mechanical calculations. We identify the formation of strong hotspots between all particles as the main mechanism for the lossless coupling and thus coherent ultrafast energy transfer between the remote partners. Our findings could prove useful for quantum gate operations, as well as for classical charge and information transfer processes.