AgNP Deposition Research Articles

Rapid Antibacterial Effects of Silk Fabric Constructed through Enzymatic Grafting of Modified PEI and AgNP Deposition.

Enzymatic antibacterial finishing is an eco-friendly alternative to develop functional silk-based materials. However, the low accessibility of tyrosine residues distributed in fibroin chains restricts the laccase-mediated functionalization of silk fibers (SF). To address this issue, a highly reactive p-hydroxyphenylacetic acid-modified polyethyleneimine (mPEI) was enzymatically grafted onto fibroin using laccase, aiming at constructing an antibacterial matrix of mPEI on the fiber surface. Subsequently, in situ deposition of silver nanoparticles (i.e., AgNPs) into the newly built mPEI network was performed to form a rapid antibacterial layer. The results indicated that laccase efficiently catalyzes the mPEI coupling, the zeta potential of SF-g-mPEI increases from -32 to 21.70 mV, and the silver content reaches 1.81% after AgNP embedment. Based on the combined two-step treatments, the obtained silk fabric exhibited excellent antibacterial abilities against two bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli). The antibacterial rates of both bacteria reached 99.9% within 30 min of contact, remaining over 99.9% within 18 h of contact even after washing 10 times. The present work provides an enzyme-mediated method for construction of silk fabric with durable and rapid antibacterial activity.

Implementation of a Dynamic Co-Culture Model Abated Silver Nanoparticle Interactions and Nanotoxicological Outcomes In Vitro.

The incorporation of engineered nanoparticles (NPs) into everyday consumer goods, products, and applications has given rise to the field of nanotoxicology, which evaluates the safety of NPs within biological environments. The unique physicochemical properties of NPs have made this an insurmountable challenge, as their reactivity and variable behavior have given rise to discrepancies between standard cell-based in vitro and animal in vivo models. In this study, enhanced in vitro models were generated that retained the advantages of traditional cell cultures, but incorporated the modifications of (1) inclusion of an activated immune element and (2) the presence of physiologically-relevant dynamic flow. Following verification that the human alveolar epithelial and macrophage (A549/U937) co-culture could be successfully sustained under both static and dynamic conditions, these cultures, in addition to a standard A549 static model, were challenged with 10 nm citrate coated silver NPs (AgNPs). This work identified a reshaping of the AgNP-cellular interface and differential biological responses following exposure. The presence of dynamic flow modified cellular morphology and reduced AgNP deposition by approximately 20% over the static exposure environments. Cellular toxicity and stress endpoints, including reactive oxygen species, heat shock protein 70, and secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, were found to vary as a function of both cellular composition and flow conditions; with activated macrophages and fluid flow both mitigating the severity of AgNP-dependent bioeffects. This work highlights the possibility of enhanced in vitro systems to assess the safety of engineered NPs and demonstrates their effectiveness in elucidating novel NP-cellular interactions and toxicological profiles.

Characterizing the Role of Biologically Relevant Fluid Dynamics on Silver Nanoparticle Dependent Oxidative Stress in Adherent and Suspension In Vitro Models.

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are being employed in numerous consumer goods and applications; however, they are renowned for inducing negative cellular consequences including toxicity, oxidative stress, and an inflammatory response. Nanotoxicological outcomes are dependent on numerous factors, including physicochemical, biological, and environmental influences. Currently, NP safety evaluations are carried out in both cell-based in vitro and animal in vivo models, with poor correlation between these mechanisms. These discrepancies highlight the need for enhanced exposure environments, which retain the advantages of in vitro models but incorporate critical in vivo influences, such as fluid dynamics. This study characterized the effects of dynamic flow on AgNP behavior, cellular interactions, and oxidative stress within both adherent alveolar (A549) and suspension monocyte (U937) models. This study determined that the presence of physiologically relevant flow resulted in substantial modifications to AgNP cellular interactions and subsequent oxidative stress, as assessed via reactive oxygen species (ROS), glutathione levels, p53, NFκB, and secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Within the adherent model, dynamic flow reduced AgNP deposition and oxidative stress markers by roughly 20%. However, due to increased frequency of contact, the suspension U937 cells were associated with higher NP interactions and intracellular stress under fluid flow exposure conditions. For example, the increased AgNP association resulted in a 50% increase in intracellular ROS and p53 levels. This work highlights the potential of modified in vitro systems to improve analysis of AgNP dosimetry and safety evaluations, including oxidative stress assessments.

Multifunctional Hydroxyapatite/Silver Nanoparticles/Cotton Gauze for Antimicrobial and Biomedical Applications.

Medical textiles have played an increasingly important protection role in the healthcare industry. This study was aimed at improving the conventional cotton gauze for achieving advanced biomedical specifications (coloration, UV-protection, anti-inflammation, and antimicrobial activities). These features were obtained by modifying the cotton gauze fabrics via in-situ precipitation of hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (HAp NP), followed by in-situ photosynthesis of silver (Ag) NPs with ginger oil as a green reductant with anti-inflammation properties. The HAp-Ag NPs coating provides good UV-protection properties. To further improve the HAp and Ag NPs dispersion and adhesion on the surface, the cotton gauze fabrics were modified by cationization with chitosan, or by partial carboxymethylation (anionic modification). The influence of the cationic and anionic modifications and HAp and Ag NPs deposition on the cotton gauze properties (coloration, UV-protection, antimicrobial activities, and water absorption) was thoroughly assessed. Overall, the results indicate that chemical (anionic and cationic) modification of the cotton gauze enhances HAp and Ag NPs deposition. Chitosan can increase biocompatibility and promotes wound healing properties of cotton gauze. Ag NP deposition onto cotton gauze fabrics brought high antimicrobial activities against Candida albicans, Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, and improved UV protection.

Lung retention and particokinetics of silver and gold nanoparticles in rats following subacute inhalation co-exposure

BackgroundInhalation exposure to nanomaterials in workplaces can include a mixture of multiple nanoparticles. Such ambient nanoparticles can be of high dissolution or low dissolution in vivo and we wished to determine whether co-exposure to particles with different dissolution rates affects their biokinetics.Methods and ResultsRats were exposed to biosoluble silver nanoparticles (AgNPs, 10.86 nm) and to biopersistent gold nanoparticles (AuNPs, 10.82 nm) for 28 days (6-h/day, 5-days/week for 4 weeks) either with separate NP inhalation exposures or with combined co-exposure. The separate NPs mass concentrations estimated by the differential mobility analyzer system (DMAS) were determined to be 17.68 ± 1.69 μg/m3 for AuNP and 10.12 ± 0.71 μg/m3 for AgNP. In addition, mass concentrations analyzed by atomic absorption spectrometer (AAS) via filter sampling were for AuNP 19.34 ± 2.55 μg/m3 and AgNP 17.38 ± 1.88 μg/m3 for separate exposure and AuNP 8.20 ± 1.05 μg/m3 and AgNP 8.99 ± 1.77 μg/m3 for co-exposure. Lung retention and clearance were determined on day 1 (6-h) of exposure (E-1) and on post-exposure days 1, 7, and 28 (PEO-1, PEO-7, and PEO-28, respectively). While the AgNP and AuNP deposition rates were determined to be similar due to the similarity of NP size of both aerosols, the retention half-times and clearance rates differed due to the difference in dissolution rates. Thus, when comparing the lung burdens following separate exposures, the AgNP retention was 10 times less than the AuNP retention at 6-h (E-1), and 69, 89, and 121 times lower less than the AuNP retention at PEO-1, PEO-7, and PEO-28, respectively. In the case of AuNP+AgNP co-exposure, the retained AgNP lung burden was 14 times less than the retained AuNP lung burden at E-1, and 26, 43, and 55 times less than the retained AuNP lung burden at PEO-1, PEO-7, and PEO-28, respectively. The retention of AuNP was not affected by the presence of AgNP, but AgNP retention was influenced in the presence of AuNP starting at 24 h after the first day of post day of exposure. The clearance of AgNPs of the separate exposure showed 2 phases; fast (T1/2 3.1 days) and slow (T1/2 48.5 days), while the clearance of AuNPs only showed one phase (T1/2 .81.5 days). For the co-exposure of AuNPs+AgNPs, the clearance of AgNPs also showed 2 phases; fast (T1/2 2.2 days) and slow (T1/2 28.4 days), while the clearance of AuNPs consistently showed one phase (T1/2 54.2 days). The percentage of Ag lung burden in the fast and slow clearing lung compartment was different between separate and combined exposure. For the combined exposure, the slow and fast compartments were each 50% of the lung burden. For the single exposure, 1/3 of the lung burden was cleared by the fast rate and 2/3 of the lung burden by the slow rate.ConclusionsThe clearance of AgNPs follows a two- phase model of fast and slow dissolution rates while the clearance of AuNPs could be described by a one- phase model with a longer half-time. The co-exposure of AuNPs+AgNPs showed that the clearance of AgNPs was altered by the presence of AuNPs perhaps due to some interaction between AgNP and AuNP affecting dissolution and/or mechanical clearance of AgNP in vivo.

Biosynthesized silver nanoparticles by Aspergillus terreus NRRL265 for imparting durable antimicrobial finishing to polyester cotton blended fabrics: Statistical optimization, characterization, and antitumor activity evaluation

In the current study, the conditions that influence the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) by A. terreus NRRL265 cell free filtrate (CFF) were first considered through the “one factor per time” ordinary strategy. At that point a response surface methodology (RSM) was built to study and identify the interdependence between the efficient factors that influence the biosynthesis of AgNPs, utilizing the central composite design (CCD) procedure. Sphere shaped AgNPs in a range between 13 and 49 nm were detected via electron microscopy approaches. The spectroscopy of Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) suggested the contribution of peptides as a reducing and capping tool. The viability of AgNPs like an antimicrobial factor was set up by means of its capacity to apply a significant antimicrobial action in opposition to Candida albicans, Bacillus mycoides, and Escherichia coli. Human Caucasian breast adenocarcinoma (MCF7) tumor cells showed a direct dose–response relationship with AgNPs to give an IC50 value of 46.7 μg/mL. AgNP deposition on polyester cotton blended fabrics surface was detected as a thin reliable surface layer through checking scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In spite of the presence of little amounts of silver on the treated fabrics as demonstrated by EDX analysis profile, the fabrics treated with AgNPs were capable to restrain the tested microorganism’s growth.

Electrodes Based on a Titanium Dioxide Nanotube-Spherical Silver Nanoparticle Composite for Sensing of Proteins.

The aim of the research was to provide electrochemical, chemical, phase, and microscopic characteristics of electrodes based on titanium dioxide nanotubes (TNTs) containing uniformly deposited, nonagglomerated spherical silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). The nanoparticles were produced with the use of electrodeposition and sputter deposition methods. This paper presents the results of research of these platforms with the use of the following techniques: electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. Evaluation of the adsorption of proteins-bovine serum albumin (BSA)-was carried out to establish the possibility of the use of the electrodes in a low-cost, simple detection system without surface functionalization. The research proved that the AgNP deposition facilitated the electron transfer increasing their conductivity properties as well as promoting the protein adsorption. The AgNPs/TNT electrodes showed a high selectivity to the BSA-anti-BSA complex. Half an hour of immobilization was enough to completely saturate the TNT electrodes, whereas for AgNPs/TNTs, 1 h of immobilization seemed to be not enough. The impedance parameter changes for electrodes with the AgNPs reached even about 300%. The biggest changes were noted for the platform obtained using cyclic voltammetry, so it is the best detection platform for biosensing.

A sol–gel based silver nanoparticle/polytetrafluorethylene (AgNP/PTFE) coating with enhanced antibacterial and anti-corrosive properties

In this research, a silver nanoparticle/polytetrafluorethylene (AgNP/PTFE) coating for metallic implants was fabricated using a facile layer-by-layer coating method. PTFE nanoparticles were immobilized in a sol–gel matrix and dip-coated onto 316L stainless steel via a mussel-inspired approach followed by AgNP deposition. Benefiting from the synergistic effect of antibacterial AgNP and non-stick PTFE, the AgNP/PTFE coating exhibited superior antibiofilm activity against Escherichia coli WT F1693 and enhanced corrosion resistance. Compared with surfaces only coated with PTFE, the AgNP/PTFE coated surfaces were capable of sustained release of silver ions, inhibiting up to ~50% bacterial biomass accumulation after 7 days. To understand the anti-adhesion mechanism, both classic DLVO and XDLVO theories were used to model and explain bacterial adhesion. Despite concerns that an over-release of silver ions may cause toxic effects towards mammalian cells, the coating procedures offered ease of control over the silver loading, making it potentially useful for preventing metallic implant-associated infections.

Electrochemical CYFRA21-1 DNA sensor with PCR-like sensitivity based on AgNPs and cascade polymerization.

In this work, a new method of CYFRA21-1 DNA (tDNA) detection based on electrochemically mediated atom transfer radical polymerization (e-ATRP) and surface-initiated reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer polymerization (SI-RAFT) cascade polymerization and AgNP deposition is proposed. Firstly, the peptide nucleic acid (PNA) probe is captured on a gold electrode by Au-S bonds for specific recognition of tDNA. After hybridization, PNA/DNA strands provide high-density phosphate groups for the subsequent ATRP initiator by the identified carboxylate-Zr4+-phosphate chemistry. Then, a large number of monomers are successfully grafted from the DNA through the e-ATRP reaction. After that, the chain transfer agent of SI-RAFT and methacrylic acid (MAA) are connected by recognized carboxylate-Zr4+-carboxylate chemistry. Subsequently, through SI-RAFT, the resulting polymer introduces numerous aldehyde groups, which could deposit many AgNPs on tDNA through silver mirror reaction, causing significant amplification of the electrochemical signal. Under optimal conditions, this designed method exhibits a low detection limit of 0.487aM. Moreover, the method enables us to detect DNA at the level of PCR-like and shows high selectivity and strong anti-interference ability in the presence of serum. It suggests that this new sensing signal amplification technology exhibits excellent potential of application in the early diagnosis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Graphical abstract Electrochemical detection principle for CYFRA21-1 DNA based on e-ATRP and SI-RAFT signal amplification technology.

Comparison of silver nanoparticle-induced inflammatory responses between healthy and metabolic syndrome mouse models

ABSTRACTSilver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are utilized in surgical implants and medical textiles, thus providing access to the circulation. While research has been conducted primarily in healthy models, AgNP-induced toxicity evaluations in disease conditions are critical, as many individuals have preexisting conditions. Specifically, over 20% of United States adults suffer from metabolic syndrome (MetS). It was hypothesized that MetS may increase susceptibility to AgNP-mediated toxicity due to induction of differential inflammation and altered biodistribution. Mice were injected with 2 mg/kg AgNPs, and organs assessed for inflammatory gene expression (TNF-α, CXCL1, CXCL2, CCL2, TGF-β, HO-1, IL-4, IL-13), and Ag content. AgNPs were determined to induce differential inflammation in healthy and MetS mice. While AgNP exposure increased TNF-α, CXCL1, TGF-β, HO-1, and IL-4 expression within healthy mouse spleens, MetS-treated animals demonstrated decreased CXCL1, IL-4, and IL-13 expression. Healthy and MetS mice livers exhibited similar inflammatory responses to one another. AgNPs localized primarily to the liver and spleen, although Ag was present in all examined organs. In organs of minor AgNP deposition, such as kidney, gene expression was variable. Induction of inflammatory genes did not correspond with biodistribution, suggesting disease-related variations in AgNP-mediated adverse responses. These findings indicate that disease may influence inflammation and biodistribution, impacting AgNP clinical applications.

Antimicrobial Efficacy of Low Concentration PVP-Silver Nanoparticles Deposited on DBD Plasma-Treated Polyamide 6,6 Fabric

In this study, a low concentration (10 μg·mL−1) of poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP)-coated silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were deposited by spray and exhaustion (30, 70 and 100 °C) methods onto untreated and dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma-treated polyamide 6,6 (PA66) fabric. DBD plasma-treated samples showed higher AgNP deposition than untreated ones for all methods. After five washing cycles, only DBD plasma-treated samples displayed AgNPs on the fabric surface. The best-performing method was exhaustion at 30 °C, which exhibited less agglomeration and the best antibacterial efficacy against S. aureus (4 log reduction). For E. coli, the antimicrobial effect showed good results in all the exhaustion samples (5 log reduction). Considering the spray method, only the DBD plasma-treated samples showed some bacteriostatic activity for both strains, but the AgNP concentration was not enough to have a bactericidal effect. Our results suggest DBD plasma may be a low cost and chemical-free method for the preparation of antibacterial textiles, allowing for the immobilization of a very low—but effective—concentration of AgNPs.

Toward a comprehensive understanding of textiles functionalized with silver nanoparticles

This article provides a comprehensive understanding of development of textiles functionalized with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). There are three established methods to fabricate textiles functionalized with AgNPs, namely, solution‐immersion, layer‐by‐layer deposition, and sonochemical. In addition, several textile types such as cotton, wool, polyester, silk, cotton/polyester blend, polyamide, and regenerated cellulose have been used for the fabrication. The AgNP deposition mechanism on textiles is mainly due to electrostatic interaction between AgNPs and textile constituents. It was exhibited that the deposition of AgNPs on textiles can transform their textiles colors. In addition, it was demonstrated that the deposition of AgNPs on textiles is not permanent, particularly against washing treatment. Textiles modified with AgNPs have several promising applications such as antibacterial, antifungal, catalyst, electronic devices, water treatment, sun protection, air treatment, and surface‐enhanced Raman scattering, which are comprehensively discussed in this article. Future challenges in fabricating textiles functionalized with AgNPs remain on how this can be carried out to improve long‐term stabilization of AgNPs on textiles to achieve their permanent deposition by employing greener approaches.

Quantitative study of the capture of silver nanoparticles by several kinds of soils

The capacity of different soils to capture silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) by measuring changes of an AgNP intrinsic property such as the plasmon for the first time, was studied. In-tube solid-phase microextraction (IT-SPME) coupled on-line to capillary liquid chromatography (CapLC) with diode array detection (DAD) was employed for measuring the interactions between soil and in-contact AgNP dispersions. Its achieved LOD 9 pM assures quantitative retention measurements and selectivity for soil lixiviation was suitable. Electronic microscopy was employed for corroborating the entrapped Ag into the soils. Capture % of AgNPs was calculated in compost (>99%), mountain (>99%), orchard (15±1%) and urban (48±1%) soils. Also, the relation between some soil characteristics: solid organic matter (SOM), composition, pH, redox potential (Eh), electrical conductivity (EC) and size, and the retention of these metallic nanoparticles was studied. The results have also been estimated after sieving and the capture % of AgNPs was similar in the resulting fractions. AgNP adsorption on a given soil is mainly affected by its organic matter content for studied soils with higher SOM amounts (23–62%). However, for the soils with lower SOM amounts (4.6–8.3%) the role of HAs could prevent AgNP deposition onto soils. The proposed methodology can be utilized for quickly assessing the potential of a given soil considering its properties for capturing these nanoparticles, which can come at handy for their administration, characterization or remediation.

Transport of silver nanoparticles in intact columns of calcareous soils: The role of flow conditions and soil texture

Growing production of manufactured nanomaterials has increased the possibility of contamination of groundwater resources and soils by nanoparticles (NPs). It is crucial to study the fate of NPs in subsurface porous media in order to evaluate and control their risks to ecosystems and human health. Hence, this study was conducted to investigate the transport and retention of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) stabilized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs, a diameter of 40 nm) under saturated and unsaturated conditions in intact columns of two calcareous sandy loam (TR) and loam (ZR) soils. Furthermore, similar experiments were conducted using sand quartz as a reference medium. A pulse of the AgNP suspension with an input concentration (C0) of 50 mg L−1 was injected into the columns for 3 pore volumes. The transport of bromide (Br), as a non-reactive inert tracer, was also examined. High mobility of AgNPs was observed through the sand columns due to unfavorable conditions for AgNP deposition on the quartz sand surfaces. Nearly all AgNPs introduced into the columns of both soils were retained in the soil. Percentages of AgNPs leached out of the columns were <1% of the total injected mass in both soils. Hyperexponential retention profiles (RPs) were observed in both soils and maximum concentrations of 100–130 mg kg−1 were determined near the columns' inlet. However, slightly stronger retention of AgNPs and greater maximum retained concentrations on the solid phase (Smax) in the ZR soil compared with the TR soil may be attributed to smaller grain sizes of the ZR soil. Hydrodynamic forces adjacent to the solid surfaces near the column inlet can provide a viable explanation for the hyperexponential shape of RPs. The one-site kinetic attachment model in HYDRUS-1D, which accounted for time- and depth-dependent retention, was successfully used to analyze the retention of AgNPs. The results showed that the degree of saturation had little effect on the mobility of AgNPs through undisturbed soil columns. Our results suggested the limited transport of AgNPs in neutral/alkaline calcareous soils under both saturated and unsaturated conditions.

Transport of silver nanoparticles from nanocomposite Ag/alginate hydrogels under conditions mimicking tissue implantation

The aim of this work was to assess phenomena occurring during AgNP transport from nanocomposite Ag/alginate hydrogels under conditions relevant for potential biomedical applications as antimicrobial soft tissue implants. First, we have studied AgNP migration from the nanocomposite to the adjacent alginate hydrogel mimicking soft tissue next to the implant. AgNP deposition was carried out by the initial burst release lasting for ?24 h yielding large aggregates on hydrogel surfaces and smaller clusters (?400 nm in size) inside. However, the overall released content was low (0.67%) indicating high nanocomposite stability. In the next experimental series, release of AgNPs, 10?30 nm in size, from Ag/alginate microbeads in water was investigated under static conditions as well as under continuous perfusion mimicking vascularized tissues. Mathematical modeling has revealed AgNP release by diffusion under static conditions with the diffusion coefficient within the Ag/alginate hydrogel of 6.9x10?19 m2 s?1. Conversely, continuous perfusion induced increased AgNP release by convection with the interstitial fluid velocity estimated as 4.6 nm s?1. Overall, the obtained results indicated the influence of hydrodynamic conditions at the implantation site on silver release and potential implant functionality, which should be investigated at the experimentation beginning using appropriate in vitro systems.

Evaluation of the SERS performance of Ag nanoparticles immobilized on glass by silanes using protic or aprotic solvents

This work presents a comparative analysis of the SERS performance of silver nanoparticles (AgNP) immobilized on glass using the silane γ-aminopropil-trimethoxysilane (APTMS) for two situations: APTMS reacted from aqueous or toluenic solutions. The SERS performance has been evaluated for spatial homogeneity as a function of the number of AgNP deposition steps for 785 and 532nm exciting radiations. It was verified that increasing the number of deposition steps improves the homogeneity only up to a certain level for each solvent, and additional deposition results in little gain in homogeneity.

Silver nanoparticles supported on carbon nanotube carpets: influence of surface functionalization

The effectiveness of nanoparticle-based functional devices depends strongly on the surface morphology and area of the support. An emerging powerful approach of increasing the available surface area without decreasing strength or increasing bulk is to attach arrays of suitable nanotubes on the surface, and to attach the necessary nanoparticles to them. Earlier publications by this team have shown that carpet-like arrays of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) can be successfully grown on a variety of larger carbon substrates such as graphite, foams and fabric, which offer hierarchical multiscale supporting architecture suitable for the attachment of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). A limiting factor of pure CNT arrays in fluid-based applications is their hydrophobicity, which can reduce the percolation of an aqueous medium through individual nanotubes. Previous studies have demonstrated that the treatment of CNT carpets with dry (oxygen) plasma can induce reversible wettability, and treatment with wet (sol–gel) coating can impart permanent wettability. In this paper, we report the influence of such treatments on the attachment of AgNPs, and their effectiveness in water disinfection treatments. Both types of hydrophilic surface treatment show an increase in silver loading on the CNT carpets. Oxygen-plasma treated surfaces (O-CNT) show fine and densely packed AgNPs, whereas silica-coated nanotubes (silica-CNT) show uneven clusters of AgNPs. However, O-CNT surfaces lose their hydrophilicity during AgNP deposition, whereas silica-CNT surfaces remain hydrophilic. This difference significantly impacts the antibacterial effectiveness of these materials, as tested in simulated water containing Gram negative Escherichia coli (E. coli, JM109). AgNPs on silica-coated CNT substrates showed significantly higher reduction rates of E. coli compared to AgNPs on plasma-treated CNT substrates, despite the finer and better dispersed AgNP distribution in the latter. These results provide important insights into different aspects of surface modification approaches that can control the wettability of CNT carpets, and their applicability in water treatment applications.

Surface Reaction Route To Increase the Loading of Antimicrobial Ag Nanoparticles in Forward Osmosis Membranes

Biofilm formation from bacterial growth and colonization is a known cause for membrane performance deterioration in water treatment. A broad-spectrum biocide such as silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) is generally added to the membrane to impart biofilm resistance. Because biofilm formation begins with the membrane surface in contact with the feedwater, a high loading of uniformly dispersed Ag nanoparticles (Ag NPs) on the membrane exterior surface is desirable for a good antimicrobial performance. This was accomplished in this work by a short alkaline treatment of a hydrolyzable membrane (polyacrylonitrile, PAN) to introduce negative charge to the surface. A subsequent exposure to a Ag precursor solution followed by reduction under mild reducing condition (CO) limited the Ag NP deposition to within a narrow region of the membrane surface. The Ag content on the resultant membrane exterior surface in this study was also the highest in the literature. Different from previously reported methods, this method of Ag...

Systemic and behavioral effects of intranasal administration of silver nanoparticles

Use of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) for their antimicrobial properties is widespread. Much of the previous work on the toxicity of AgNPs has been conducted in vitro or following oral or intravenous administration in vivo. Intranasal (IN) instillation of AgNPs mimics inhalation exposure and allows further exploration of the toxicity of these particles via respiratory tract exposure. The present study involved 1) single-dose exposures to assess tissue distribution and toxicity and 2) repeated exposures to assess behavioral effects of IN AgNP exposure (nominally uncoated 25nm AgNP). AgNP deposition was localized in the liver, gut-associated lymphoid tissue, and brain. Decrease cellularity in spleen follicles was observed in treated mice, along with changes in cell number and populations in the spleen. The splenic GSH:GSSG ratio was also reduced following AgNP exposure. Expression of the oxidative stress-responsive gene Hmox1 was elevated in the hippocampus, but not cortex of treated mice, as was the level of HMOX1 protein. Mice receiving 7days of IN exposure to 50mg/kg AgNPs exhibited similar learning- and memory-related behaviors to control mice, except that treated mice spent significantly less time in the target quadrant of the Morris Water Maze during the acquisition phase probe trial. These findings indicate systemic distribution and toxicity following IN administration of AgNPs.

Organic matter induced mobilization of polymer-coated silver nanoparticles from water-saturated sand

Mobilization of polymer-coated silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) by anionic surfactant (sodium dodecylbenzenesulphonate: SDBS), amino acid derivative (N-acetylcysteine: NAC), and chelate (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid: EDTA) in water-saturated sand medium was explored based on carefully designed column tests. Exposure experiments monitoring the size evolution of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) coated AgNPs in organic solutions confirm the capacity of SDBS, NAC and EDTA to partly displace PVP. Single Pulse Column Experiment (SPCE) results show both the PVP polymer and the silver core controlled AgNP deposition while the effect of the PVP was dominant. Results of Co-injected Pulse Column Experiments (CPCEs) where AgNP and SDBS or NAC were co-injected into the column following a very short mixing (<1s) disprove our hypothesis that coating-alternation by particle associated organic would mobilize irreversibly deposited particles from the uncoated sand, while surface charge modification by adsorbed NAC was identified as a potential mobilizing mechanism for AgNP from the iron-oxide-coated sand. Triple Pulse Column Experiment (TPCE) results confirm that such a charging effect of the adsorbed organic molecules may enable SDBS and NAC to mobilize AgNPs from the iron-oxide-coated sands. TPCE results with five distinct levels of SDBS indicate that concentration-stimulated change in the SDBS format from an individual to a micelle significantly increased the mobilizing efficiency and site blockage of SDBS. Although being an electrolyte, EDTA did not mobilize AgNPs, as the case with SDBS or NAC, as it dissolved the iron oxides which in turn prevented EDTA adsorption on sand. The findings have implications for better understanding the behavior of polymer-coated nanoparticles in organic-presented groundwater systems, i.e., detachment-associated uncertainty in exposure prediction of the nanomaterials.