Applications Of Metal Nanoparticles Research Articles

Chemical Nature of Metals and Metal-Based Materials in Inactivation of Viruses.

In response to the enormous threat to human survival and development caused by the large number of viruses, it is necessary to strengthen the defense against and elimination of viruses. Metallic materials have been used against viruses for thousands of years due to their broad-spectrum antiviral properties, wide sources and excellent physicochemical properties; in particular, metal nanoparticles have advanced biomedical research. However, researchers in different fields hold dissimilar views on the antiviral mechanisms, which has slowed down the antiviral application of metal nanoparticles. As such, this review begins with an exhaustive compilation of previously published work on the antiviral capacity of metal nanoparticles and other materials. Afterwards, the discussion is centered on the antiviral mechanisms of metal nanoparticles at the biological and physicochemical levels. Emphasis is placed on the fact that the strong reducibility of metal nanoparticles may be the main reason for their efficient inactivation of viruses. We hope that this review will benefit the promotion of metal nanoparticles in the antiviral field and expedite the construction of a barrier between humans and viruses.

Understanding behaviors of compression ignition engine running on metal nanoparticle additives-included fuels: A control comparison between biodiesel and diesel fuel

In recent years, searching for efficient solutions to improve the emission and performance characteristics of diesel engines is considered as one of the essential and urgent work. Metal nanoparticles with a large surface area and high heat transfer coefficient could provide the impressive additive ability to the fuel reactivity and atomization. Therefore, the critical role of metal nanoparticles in the support of diesel engine behaviors using biodiesel and diesel is thoroughly evaluated in this current review. Indeed, preparation methods and critical properties of metal nanoparticles and metal nanoparticles-laden fuels are fully introduced. More importantly, the performance, combustion, emission characteristics, and tribology behaviors of diesel engines running on metal nanoparticles-laden biodiesel are compared to diesel fuel in detail. Generally, metal nanoparticles-included biodiesel facilitates the formation of a more homogeneous oxygen-containing mixture of fuel–air, resulting in a more complete combustion process than that of diesel fuel. As a result, the use of biodiesel with the presence of metal nanoparticles is considered as the potential strategy for promoting spay and atomization, enhancing the combustion process, increasing brake thermal efficiency (BTE), reducing toxic emissions (including carbon monoxide (CO), unburnt hydrocarbon (HC), and smoke), and improving tribology characteristics. However, some drawbacks are also indicated, such as increased NOx emission and brake-specific fuel consumption. In addition, it is also concluded that studies on other environmental impacts (such as PM emission), the stable properties of metal nanoparticles, and economic aspects should be made more extensively before commercial applications of metal nanoparticles in the real world.

Biomedical applications of metallic nanoparticles in cancer: Current status and future perspectives.

The current advancements in nanotechnology are as an outcome of the development of engineered nanoparticles. Various metallic nanoparticles have been extensively explored for various biomedical applications. They attract lot of attention in biomedical field due to their significant inert nature, and nanoscale structures, with size similar to many biological molecules. Their intrinsic characteristics which include electronic, optical, physicochemical and, surface plasmon resonance, that can be changed by altering certain particle characteristics such as size, shape, environment, aspect ratio, ease of synthesis and functionalization properties have led to numerous applications in various fields of biomedicine. These include targeted drug delivery, sensing, photothermal and photodynamic therapy, imaging, as well as the modulation of two or three applications. The current article also discusses about the various properties of metallic nanoparticles and their applications in cancer imaging and therapeutics. The associated bottlenecks related to their clinical translation are also discussed.

Synthesis, Characterization and Antimicrobial Activity of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles against Selected Waterborne Bacterial and Yeast Pathogens.

The disinfection of wastewater using nanoparticles (NPs) has become a focal area of research in water treatment. In this study, zinc oxide (ZnO) NPs were synthesized using the microwave heating crystallization technique and characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Qualitative well diffusion and quantitative minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) tests were conducted to determine the antimicrobial activity of ZnO NPs against selected waterborne pathogenic microbes. FTIR spectral studies confirmed that the binding of urea with Zn occurs through Zn–O stretching. XRD confirmed the crystallized identity in a hexagonal ZnO wurtzite-type structure. The formation of zones of inhibition and low MIC values in the antimicrobial analysis were indicative of the effective antimicrobial activity of zinc oxide nanoparticles against the test microorganisms. The application of metallic nanoparticles in water treatment could curb the spread of waterborne microbial diseases.

Application of Metal Nanoparticles for Production of Self-Sterilizing Coatings

Metal nanoparticles (NPs) are increasingly being used in many areas, e.g., industry, pharmacy, and biomedical engineering. NPs can be obtained through chemical and biological synthesis or using physical methods. AgNPs, AuNPs, CuNPs, FeNPs, MgNPs, SnO2NPs, TiO2NPs, and ZnONPs are the most commonly synthesized metal nanoparticles. Many of them have anti-microbial properties and documented activity supported by many tests against some species of pathogenic bacteria, viruses, and fungi. AgNPs, which are used for the production of commercial self-sterilizing packages, are one of the best-explored nanoparticles. Moreover, the EFSA has approved the use of small doses of silver nanoparticles (0.05 mg Ag·kg−1) to food products. Recent studies have shown that metal NPs can be used for the production of coatings to prevent the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which has caused the global pandemic. Some nanoparticles (e.g., ZnONPs and MgONPs) have the Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) status, i.e., they are considered safe for consumption and can be used for the production of edible coatings, protecting food against spoilage. Promising results have been obtained in research on the use of more than one type of nanometals, which prevents the development of pathogen resistance through various mechanisms of inactivation thereof.

CuO-NPs Improve Biosynthesis of Bioactive Compounds in Lettuce.

The application of metallic nanoparticles improves the yield and content of bioactive compounds in plants. The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of the foliar application of copper nanoparticles (CuO-NPs) in the yield and content of bioactive compounds in lettuce. Different concentrations of CuO-NPs (0, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, and 6 mg mL−1) were applied in lettuce. The yield, nutraceutical quality, and enzymatic activity were determined. Foliar spraying of CuO-NPs induced an increase in the biosynthesis of bioactive compounds. In addition to an increase in the activity of the enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) in lettuce plants, there were no negative effects on yield. Therefore, with the application of CuO-NPs, better quality lettuces are produced for the human diet due to the higher production of bioactive compounds.

A zinc oxide nanorods/molybdenum disulfide nanosheets hybrid as a sensitive and reusable electrochemical sensor for determination of anti-retroviral agent indinavir

This work aims to develop an electrochemical sensor for the reusable and selective detection of trace levels of indinavir (IDV) as an anti-retroviral drug by using zinc oxide nano-rods/molybdenum disulfide nanosheets on a screen-printed electrode (ZnO NRs/MoS2 NSs/SPE). Quantitative IDV detection was achieved using differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). The assay specificity was illustrated using interfering species and exhibited high specificity toward the IDV. The developed displayed a wide dynamic range, from 0.01 to 0.66 and 0.66–7.88 μM in Britton–Robinson (B-R) buffer, with a 0.007 μM limit of detection. The fabricated ZnO NRs/MoS2 NSs/SPE electrode exhibited high sensitivity, stability, good reproducibility, and repeatability towards the sensing of IDV. It turned out that the hybrid electrochemical sensor's sensing performance was remarkably improved due to the synergistic effect between MoS2 NSs and ZnO NRs, where the former affords a large active surface area and quick electron transfer. The reported sensor provides a new alternative for electrochemical detection of IDV and could expand the applications of metal nanoparticles in emerging technologies for monitoring drugs in real samples.

Influence of biosynthesized silver nanoparticles using red alga Corallina elongata on broiler chicks’ performance

Abstract Poultry meat is a great source of protein and provides lots of nutrients such as iodine, iron, zinc, vitamins, and essential fatty acids that humans require. The positive applications of metal nanoparticles (NPs) in the diets of various poultry species were studied, in relation to their metabolic, antibacterial effects on digestion and regulation of bowel function. This study was carried out to test the effects of fabrication green silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) of Corallina elongata extract and/or coating NPs with acetic acid on performance, immune response parameters and micro-flora population in Ross broiler. Chicks’ drinking water was mixed with bio-AgNPs (1 mM) and coating NPs with acetic acid for 35 days. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, electron dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and high resolution transmission electron microscope were used to determine the partial physiochemical characterizations of bio-AgNPs and coating ones. EDS analysis was used to determine the presence of AgNP in meat. Results confirmed that coating NPs with acetic acid reduced percentage of the micro-flora population, which were detected by VITEK® 2 system (BioMérieux, France) and identified as Pseudomonas orizihabitain 4211210040000210 and Sphinogomonas paucimobilis 5201210040000210. EDS analysis of meat chicks confirmed disappearance of Ag metals. Coating biogenic AgNPs with acetic acid on modulated intestinal microbial populations of the Ross broiler may be safe, and could be used as alternative antibiotics or antibacterial agents besides their physiological performance in small intestines of broiler chicken.

Routes for Metallization of Perovskite Solar Cells.

The application of metallic nanoparticles leads to an increase in the efficiency of solar cells due to the plasmonic effect. We explore various scenarios of the related mechanism in the case of metallized perovskite solar cells, which operate as hybrid chemical cells without p-n junctions, in contrast to conventional cells such as Si, CIGS or thin-layer semiconductor cells. The role of metallic nano-components in perovskite cells is different than in the case of p-n junction solar cells and, in addition, the large forbidden gap and a large effective masses of carriers in the perovskite require different parameters for the metallic nanoparticles than those used in p-n junction cells in order to obtain the increase in efficiency. We discuss the possibility of activating the very poor optical plasmonic photovoltaic effect in perovskite cells via a change in the chemical composition of the perovskite and through special tailoring of metallic admixtures. Here we show that it is possible to increase the absorption of photons (optical plasmonic effect) and simultaneously to decrease the binding energy of excitons (related to the inner electrical plasmonic effect, which is dominant in perovskite cells) in appropriately designed perovskite structures with multishell elongated metallic nanoparticles to achieve an increase in efficiency by means of metallization, which is not accessible in conventional p-n junction cells. We discuss different methods for the metallization of perovskite cells against the background of a review of various attempts to surpass the Shockley–Queisser limit for solar cell efficiency, especially in the case of the perovskite cell family.

Plasmonic enhanced photo-electrochemical water splitting on amorphous silicon structures

The application of metal nanoparticles to promote chemical reactions by catalysis is an important approach for increasing the reaction rate. For light-assisted water splitting, the utilisation of plasmonic resonance has the capability to further increase the water dissociation by means of plasmonic scattering or plasmonic catalysis. In this study, Au and Ag nanoparticles were prepared on amorphous silicon and characterised by optical, morphological, and photo-electrochemical approaches. The influence of various contributions to the reaction rate related to the presence of the nanoparticles is analysed. A significant increase of current under light conditions was achieved for both Au- and Ag-based amorphous structures. The chemical catalysis supported by plasmonic catalysis was suggested as a dominant source of the increased reaction rate. While the Au nanoparticles coverage of the surface remains the same during the characterisation, the stability of Ag nanoparticles is the key issue for practical application. Prepared Au nanoparticles exhibited stability in a harsh environment giving the perspective for practical utilisation for water splitting structures, while Ag nanoparticles showed significantly lower stability.

Metal Nanoparticles: Ligand-Free Approach Towards Coupling Reactions

: Catalysis is a multidisciplinary field involving areas of organometallic chemistry, material science and engineering. It finds use in the synthesis of various industrially applicable compounds, such as fuels and fine chemicals. The activity and selectivity are fundamental issues to be dealt with in catalysis, which are associated with the high surface area. Current research activities primarily deal with homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis. Although homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis have been well researched, they have certain drawbacks that need to be overthrown for their wider applications. Therefore, it is imperative to find a catalytic protocol that would lead to higher selectivity and exemplary product yield with quick and easy retrieval. Along with being an alternative to conventional bulk materials, nanomaterials have further established their caliber into various industrial and scientific applications. Nanocatalysis has emerged as an advanced substitute for conventional homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis. The nanomaterials are accountable for intensifying the surface area of a catalyst, ultimately resulting in an increase in the catalyst reactants' contacts. Furthermore, it enacts as a robust component providing high surface area like a heterogeneous catalyst. Nanoparticles can be yielded out of a reaction medium due to their insoluble behaviour, and thus, as catalysts, they can be retracted easily from the product. Hence, it has been proven that nanocatalysts enact as both homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts, functioning as a bridge between the conventional catalytic systems. Considering these merits, researchers have tried to intensively study the applications of nanocatalysts in numerous organic reactions. This review article focuses on the catalytic applications of metal nanoparticles (MNPs), such as Pd, Ag, Au, Cu, Pt, in ligand-free coupling reactions. Also, it covers the applications of bimetallic and multimetallic nanoparticles in ligand-free coupling reactions.

Review on metal nanoparticles as nanocarriers: current challenges and perspectives in drug delivery systems.

Over the past few years, nanotechnology has been attracting considerable research attention because of their outstanding mechanical, electromagnetic and optical properties. Nanotechnology is an interdisciplinary field comprising nanomaterials, nanoelectronics, and nanobiotechnology, as three areas which extensively overlap. The application of metal nanoparticles (MNPs) has drawn much attention offering significant advances, especially in the field of medicine by increasing the therapeutic index of drugs through site specificity preventing multidrug resistance and delivering therapeutic agents efficiently. Apart from drug delivery, some other applications of MNPs in medicine are also well known such as in vivo and in vitro diagnostics and production of enhanced biocompatible materials and nutraceuticals. The use of metallic nanoparticles for drug delivery systems has significant advantages, such as increased stability and half-life of drug carrier in circulation, required biodistribution, and passive or active targeting into the required target site. Green synthesis of MNPs is an emerging area in the field of bionanotechnology and provides economic and environmental benefits as an alternative to chemical and physical methods. Therefore, this review aims to provide up-to-date insights on the current challenges and perspectives of MNPs in drug delivery systems. The present review was mainly focused on the greener methods of metallic nanocarrier preparations and its surface modifications, applications of different MNPs like silver, gold, platinum, palladium, copper, zinc oxide, metal sulfide and nanometal organic frameworks in drug delivery systems.

Involvement of gold and silver nanoparticles in lung cancer nanomedicines: A review

The use of nanoparticles in cancer therapies has spawned a new field of study known as cancer nanomedicines. Gold and silver nanoparticles are advantageous in both diagnostic and therapies. It’s an astonishment to see the benefits and application of metal nanoparticles over traditional therapy. Its medications are more effective. Physical, chemical, and biological processes are used to make gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). To destroy cancer cells, NPs grab incoming photons and change these into heat. AgNPs are primarily employed for antibacterial and anticancer therapy. In this article, we conclude with the uses of these nanoparticles as anti-cancer agents and the various methods through which they destroy cancer cells. Nanoparticle-based medicines are leading the way in primary and metastatic lung cancer diagnosis, imaging, screening, and therapies. This study covers recent accomplishments and obstacles in nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems with a focus on lung cancer therapy.

Application of metal nanoparticles and their oxides in dental composite materials and structures: A review (part I)

Application of metal nanoparticles and their oxides in dental composite materials and structures: A review (part I)

Nanocatalysts: applications for the synthesis of N-containing five-membered heterocycles.

Using transition metals as nanocatalysts has opened up a vast new area in heterocyclic chemistry in the modern day. Heterocyclic moieties are significant scaffolds that have both pharmacological and industrial applications. Various scientific groups have focused their attention on the expansion of simple reaction protocols by introducing better functional group compatibilities under mild reaction conditions through the use of easily available starting materials. This review provides an outline of the applications of metallic nanoparticles as proficient, recyclable, low-cost and green heterogeneous catalysts for the preparation of a wide range of key therapeutic five-membered nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compounds as well as some other significant functionalizations over the rings. This review mainly covers the literature published through the period from 2004 to 2021.

Green Nanoarchitectonics of Silver Nanoparticles for Antimicrobial Activity Against Resistant Pathogens.

Antimicrobial resistance represents a serious concern to public health, being responsible for hospital infections, affecting mainly immunosuppressed patients. Thus, nanotechnology appears as an alternative to solve this problem, through the application of metallic nanoparticles with antimicrobial activity. The present work aims to synthesize and characterize AgNPs from Klebsiella pneumoniae (AgNPs-KP) and Aloe vera extract (AgNPs-AV), evaluating the antimicrobial activity against Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase (KpC) and the cytotoxicity in the L929 cell line. AgNPs were prepared by the biosynthetic method using Klebsiella pneumoniae and were characterized by XRD, FTIR and SEM–EDS. Antimicrobial activity was tested using the MIC and MBC. The cytotoxicity was evaluated by the MTT method and neutral red. The production of ROS and nitrogen RNS tests were performed in the L929 cell line. Thus, it was possible to confirm the production of AgNPs-KP, through morphological, structural and elemental analysis. AgNPs from Klebsiella pneumoniae had potent antimicrobial activity in low concentration against antimicrobial resistant pathogens with MIC 9.76 µg mL−1 and MBC 9.06 µg mL−1. Moreover, AgNPs-KP in concentrations of 10, 30 and 100 µg mL−1 did not show cytotoxic properties for the L929 fibroblast, where only the cytotoxic effect was observed in high concentrations (300 µg mL−1). AgNPs-KP did not produce ROS about the analyzed concentrations and RNS production was only in the highest concentration of 3000 µg mL−1. Therefore, AgNPs biosynthesized by Klebsiella pneumoniae have potential medical applicability as a promising antimicrobial agent, using a simple and low-cost method, correlating nanomedicine as nanostructured materials.

Comparative evaluation of the antibacterial and cytotoxic activity of green synthesized and commercially available ZnO nanoparticles

Introduction and Aim:Emergence of different applications of metallic nanoparticles in various field leads to innovation of new synthetic strategies. Besides being non-toxic to mammalian cells, zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) has gained paramount attention due to its excellent antibacterial potential. This study illustrates a comparative analysis of antibacterial and cytotoxic activity of both phytochemically synthesized and chemically synthesized commercially available ZnONPs.
 
 Materials and Methods:As a source of reducing agent, leaf extract of Coriander sativum was employed in case of green synthesis of ZnONPs. Several techniques, such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Dynamic light Scattering (DLS) and Field emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) were performed to characterize both green synthesized and commercial ZnONPs.Antibacterial potential of both theZnONPs were investigated on Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains to draw a correlative outcome. Hepatocellular cell line was used to determine the cytotoxic activity of both ZnONPs.
 
 Results:Both the nanoparticles showed antibacterial and cytotoxic activity with measurable degree of difference.
 
 Conclusion: From these studies it can be concluded, the green synthesized nanoparticles showed greater antibacterial as well as cytotoxic activity in comparison to the commercial ZnONPs.

Metal nanoparticles in ionic liquids: Synthesis and catalytic applications

• Nanoparticles of many metals can be obtained in ionic liquids by physical, chemical, and electrochemical methods. • The ionic liquids medium stabilizes metal nanoparticles without additional stabilizers, surfactants, or capping ligand. • Ionic liquids allow to control the size and shape of metal nanoparticles thus improving their catalytic activity. • Electrochemical approaches allow a smart control of the size, shape, and crystal structure of metal nanoparticles. • Applications of metal nanoparticles in catalysis provide a driving force for developing new nanoscale materials. The development of metal nanoparticle chemistry in ionic liquids (ILs) media has had a paramount impact on various fields, including catalysis, energy research, nanotechnology and materials science, among many other directions. This review highlights various methods for producing metal nanoparticles in ILs, with particular focus on palladium, platinum, ruthenium, copper, nickel, cobalt, gold, silver, iron and alloys. The scope of methods includes chemical syntheses as well as electrochemical and physical approaches. Due to strong practical demand, a particular emphasis is placed on the catalytic activity of the obtained nanoparticles in a variety of reactions.

Green Synthesis of Metallic Nanoparticles Using Some Selected Medicinal Plants from Southern Africa and Their Biological Applications.

The application of metallic nanoparticles (MNPs), especially that of silver, gold, cobalt, and zinc as antimicrobial, anticancer, drug delivery, contrast, and bioimaging agents has transformed the field of medicine. Their functions, which are attributed to their physicochemical properties, have gained prominence in various technological fields. Although MNPs can be produced via rigorous physical and chemical techniques, in recent years, a biological approach utilizing natural materials has been developed. With the increasing enthusiasm for safe and efficient nanomaterials, the biological method incorporating microorganisms and plants is preferred over physical and chemical methods of nanoparticle synthesis. Of these bio-entities, plants have received great attention owing to their capability to reduce and stabilize MNPs in a single one-pot protocol. South Africa is home to ~10% of the world’s plant species, making it a major contributor to the world’s ecological scenery. Despite the documented contribution of South African plants, particularly in herbal medicine, very few of these plants have been explored for the synthesis of the noble MNPs. This paper provides a review of some important South African medicinal plants that have been utilized for the synthesis of MNPs. The enhanced biological properties of the biogenic MNPs attest to their relevance in medicine. In this endeavour, more of the African plant biodiversity must be explored for the synthesis of MNPs and be validated for their potential to be translated into future nanomedicine.

Silver Nanoparticles Formation by Jatropha integerrima and LC/MS-QTOF-Based Metabolite Profiling.

The broad application of metal nanoparticles in different fields encourages scientists to find alternatives to conventional synthesis methods to reduce negative environmental impacts. Herein, we described a safe method for preparing silver nanoparticles (J-AgNPs) using Jatropha integerrima leaves extract as a reducing agent and further characterize its physiochemical and pharmacological properties to identify its therapeutic potential as a cytotoxic and antimicrobial agent. The biogenic synthesized J-AgNPs were physiochemically characterized by ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscope (TEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. HPLC-DAD, followed by LC/MS and the Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), was applied to detect the biomolecules of J. integerrima involved in the fabrication of NPs. Furthermore, J-AgNPs and the ampicillin-nanocomposite conjugate were investigated for their potential antibacterial effects against four clinical isolates. Finally, cytotoxic effects were also investigated against cancer and normal cell lines, and their mechanism was assessed using TEM analysis and confocal laser scanning microscopy (LSM). Ag ions were reduced to spherical J-AgNPs, with a zeta potential of −34.7 mV as well as an average size of 91.2 and 22.8 nm as detected by DLS and TEM, respectively. HPLC GC/MC analysis identified five biomolecules, and FTIR suggested the presence of proteins besides polyphenolic molecules; together, these molecules could be responsible for the reduction and capping processes during NP formation. Additionally, J-AgNPs displayed a strong antibacterial effect, although the ampicillin conjugated form had a very weak antibacterial effect. Furthermore, the NPs caused a reduction in cell viability of all the treated cells by initiating ultrastructural changes and apoptosis, as identified by TEM and LSM analysis. Therefore, J-AgNPs can be formed using the leaf extract from the J. integerrima plant. Furthermore, J-AgNPs may serve as a candidate for further biochemical and pharmacological testing to identify its therapeutic value.