Blend Nanoparticles Research Articles

Charge carrier transport in blend of P3HT and ZnO nanoparticles at low temperature studied by µSR

Recently, hybrid solar cell, which is a combination of organic and inorganic material, has been developed to produce better performance especially in power conversion efficiency of solar cell. Organic material based on conjugated polymer such as Poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) attracted much attention because P3HT shows the highest hole mobility among the series of Poly(3-alkylthiophene). On the other hand, it is well known that ZnO nanoparticles are an inorganic material with high electron mobility that can be acted as electron acceptor to dissociate excitons formed in organic material. The existence of ZnO nanoparticles in active layer of solar cell will lead to dissociation of excitons in P3HT via rapid electron transfer to ZnO. To understand the mechanism of charge carrier transport in blend of P3HT and ZnO nanoparticles, we have been conducted an experiment using muon spin relaxation (µSR) at low temperature of 10 K with variation of longitudinal field from 2 to 395 mT. We also investigated the effect of light irradiation to the charge carrier transport in blend of P3HT and ZnO nanoparticles. Without light irradiation, it is clearly observed that depolarization rate (λ) was proportional to linier field of H-0.5, indicating one-dimensional intra-chain transport of charge carrier. With light irradiation, it is found that asymmetry data changed slightly indicating the trace of any changing of charge carrier transport to increase in the amount of exciton in samples causing by light irradiation.

Effect of compression ratio on nano-particle doped fuel blends in unmodified research engine

ABSTRACTCompression ratio is a significant factor among different parameters which governs the emissions and performance factors of the research engine. This work portrays the effect of compression ratio (CR) on cerium oxide nano-particle doped biodiesel and diesel blends. The doping is made at 30, 60 and 90 ppm. The modified fuels are introduced in different compression ratio of 16, 18 and 20. 1500 rpm research engine is made use in this study. Result revealed a significant reduction in emissions (CO, HC and Smoke) at CR = 20. Further, Performance (BSFC, BTE) is improved for fuel blends at CR = 20.

In vitro antibacterial, antioxidant and toxicity profile of silver nanoparticles green-synthesized and characterized from aqueous extract of a spice blend formulation

ABSTRACTHere we report the synthesis, characterization and biological properties of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using the extract from a spice blend. AgNPs were prepared using 0.1 mmol/L AgNO3 solution and aqueous extract from a spice blend of garlic, ginger and cayenne pepper. The nanoparticles were characterized using ultraviolet–visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy, scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The AgNPs formed within an hour of the reaction with colour change from yellow to dark brown and maximum absorbance at 420 nm in the UV-vis spectrum. SEM revealed well dispersed particles with little agglomeration, and the presence of elemental silver was confirmed by EDX. TEM confirmed the formation of poly-dispersed, spherical-shaped NPs with size range of 6–28 nm. FTIR showed that amine, protein, phenolic, aromatic and alkyne groups contributed to AgNPs synthesis, and XRD confirmed their crystalline and face-centred cubic nature. Both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria were susceptible to the spice blend AgNPs with MIC of 0.0625 at 62.5 µg/mL. The AgNPs exhibited greater inhibition on DPPH radical with IC50 < 31.25 µg/mL, while it was 68.75 µg/mL for ABTS. The nanoparticles were not toxic against MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell lines. These spice blend nanoparticles would support the production of AgNPs with significantly enhanced pharmacokinetic properties and greatly improved therapeutic performance.

Very high S-band microwave absorption of carbon nanotube buckypapers with Mn nanoparticle interlayers

Flexible and high-performance electromagnetic absorbing materials of multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) buckypapers with Mn nanoparticles (NPSs) interlayer were fabricated via monodisperse solutions through layer by layer vacuum filtration method. The morphology and element composition of buckypapers were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectrometer, and X-ray diffraction. The formation of flexible MWCNT buckypapers with Mn NPS (0–30 wt. %) interlayer was attributed to nanostructure and morphology of the samples. When the blended Mn NPS content in buckypapers is 20 wt. %, there are evidently two larger absorption peaks (−13.2 dB at 3.41 GHz, −15.6 dB at 3.52 GHz) of the buckypaper with an absorbing thickness of 0.1 mm. The fundamental microwave absorption mechanism of the buckypapers is discussed. This work opens a new pathway towards tuning microwave absorbers performance and this method can be extended to exploit other excellent microwave absorbers with interlayer.

Fabrication of (Polymer Blend-magnesium Oxide) Nanoparticle and Studying their Optical Properties for Optoelectronic Applications

Nanocomposites used in many optical devices applications. This aims to preparation of new type of polymer and study their optical properties. The polyvinyl pyrrolidone-carboxymethyl cellulose blend and magnesium oxide nanocomposites have been fabricated. The nanocomposites are prepared for different concentrations of polymer blend and magnesium oxide nanoparticles. The optical properties of nanocomposites were studied. The experimental results showed that the absorbance, absorption coefficient, refractive index, extinction coefficient, real and imaginary parts of dielectric constant and optical conductivity of (PVP-CMC) blend are increased with increase of the MgO nanoparticles concentration. The transmittance and energy band gap are decreased with increase of the MgO nanoparticles concentration. The nanocomposites have high absorbance in UV region which may be used for radiation shielding application.

Experimental investigation of photo-thermal analysis of blended nanoparticles (Al2O3/Co3O4) for direct absorption solar thermal collector

Abstract The demand of non-renewable energy resources is increasing due to increase of population. Due to the dependency on these resources the environment is degrading. In order to mitigate the effects on the environment, the usage of renewable energy resources is highly encouraged. Solar energy is the renewable energy, which is freely and widely available on the earth's surface. In recent time, the heat transfer fluids suspended with nanoparticles have shown that nanofluids have an immense potential to harness the solar energy. In the present experimental study, the photo-thermal analysis has been conducted with both surface absorption-based system (SAS) as well as blended nanofluid absorption-based system (BNAS). In the blended nanofluid absorption system (BNAS), the mixture of aluminum oxide (Al2O3) and cobalt oxide (Co3O4) nanoparticles has been used. The effectiveness of both systems has been evaluated and compared under identical working conditions. The experimental results with BNAS reveal that the performance of BNAS depends on the mass fraction of the nanoparticles in the base fluid. It is found that combination of 40 mg/L Al2O3 + 40 mg/L Co3O4 is an optimum mass fraction of the nanoparticles in the base fluid at which the average temperature rise (19.4 °C) of the fluid above the ambient temperature is maximum compared to other values of mass fractions. Furthermore, on comparing the effectiveness of BNAS with SAS the results show that the temperature rise with BNAS (at an optimum mass fraction) is 5.4 °C more than SAS under similar working conditions.

Water‐Processable Amphiphilic Low Band Gap Block Copolymer:Fullerene Blend Nanoparticles as Alternative Sustainable Approach for Organic Solar Cells

AbstractThe preparation of water‐processable nanoparticles (NPs) of polymer semiconductors assembled using an amphiphilic rod‐coil block copolymer (BCP), and their application to active layer sustainable fabrication of organic photovoltaic devices are reported. The hydrophobic rod is a p‐type semiconductor, while the hydrophilic coil is a short chain of poly‐4‐vinylpyridine strongly interacting with [6,6]‐phenyl‐C61‐butyric acid methyl ester (PC61BM). Through miniemulsion technique stable water‐suspended blend NPs are obtained, avoiding nonconducting surfactant use. The amphiphilic BCP fulfills a dual function, as surfactant for stabilizing the blend NPs and as electron donor material in the active layer. After mild annealing of obtained films, blend NPs interconnect with each other forming compact and uniform layers with adequate morphology for efficient charge percolation to the electrodes. Space‐charge limited hole mobility of ≈5 × 10−3 cm2 V−1 s−1 in BCP‐only NP films annealed at 120 °C (corresponding to a tenfold increase in mobility as compared to the p‐type semiconductor films spin‐coated from chlorinated solvents) indicates strong p–p interactions in the self‐assembled NPs. Blend NPs were covered with thin PC61BM layer and used as active layers in photovoltaic devices displaying high photocurrents (11.5 mA cm−2) and average power conversion efficiency of 2.53% after annealing at 90 °C.

Laser assisted blending of Ag nanoparticles in an alumina veil: a highly fluorescent hybrid.

We report a functional hybrid made of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) embedded in an amorphous aluminium oxide (alumina) film. This laser-initiated process allows formation of AgNPs and amorphous alumina in localized regions defined by the scanning laser beam. Due to metal enhanced fluorescence, this hybrid exhibits strong blue fluorescence emission under ultraviolet excitation. Upon irradiating with electrons at dosages of 1 to 20 mC cm-2, AgNPs become more metallic while the Al film is further oxidised. As a result, the fluorescing property is intensified. Using a hybrid irradiated with 10 mC cm-2, the electronic conductivity of the sample is improved by 11.5 times compared to that of the as-synthesized hybrid film. Excitation by UV light on the sample results in an increase in the detected current of nearly 29 times. Given that the electron beam patterned message is selectively visible only under UV or blue light irradiation, this hybrid film is thus a possible platform for steganographic transmission.

Robust wear and pH endurance achieved on snake-shaped silica hybrid nanowire self-woven superamphiphobic membranes with layer-stacked porous 3D networks

Bio-inspired superamphiphobicity, including high contact angles, low sliding angles and non-stick traits, in combination with high durability, such as strong wear resistance, pH endurance and mechanical properties, are difficult to simultaneously obtain in the large-scale fabrication of amphiphobic materials with the presently used blends of polymers and surface-modified hard inorganic nanoparticles.

Ferroelectric-mediated filamentary resistive switching in P(VDF-TrFE)/ZnO nanocomposite films.

In ferroelectric (FE) polymer-semiconducting polymer blend based organic resistive random access memory devices (ReRAM), the carriers are injected into the semiconductor region of the blend because of the polarization originated internal electric field in the FE polymer. A higher concentration of semiconducting polymer in the FE polymer-semiconducting polymer blends usually generate a high leakage current and degrades the FE characteristics of the FE polymer resulting in a high OFF current and consequently a low ON/OFF ratio. In order to achieve a high ON/OFF ratio in the FE polymer/semiconducting polymer blends, the FE properties of the FE polymer should be preserved. In this study, organic ReRAMs based on ferroelectric poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene) (P(VDF-TrFE)) and ZnO nanoparticle (NPs) blends exhibiting bipolar resistive switching and a high ON/OFF ratio were realized using a low-cost solution process. Unlike conventional ferroelectric polymer-semiconducting polymer blend systems where FE characteristics are suppressed in ReRAMs, our Au/P(VDF-TrFE)_ZnO NPs/n++Si devices retain the FE characteristics of the P(VDF-TrFE) polymers. Our devices switch between bi-stable resistance states via the ferroelectric-assisted filamentary conduction mechanism. Based on ex situ transmission electron microscopy and elemental mapping analyses, we found that the resistive switching occurs through the formation of conduction paths consisting of Zn-rich/F-deficient regions. The device fabricated at a blend ratio of 20 wt% ZnO NPs in P(VDF-TrFE) matrix exhibited optimal stable resistive switching behavior with an ON/OFF ratio of up to 2 × 107 and a retention time of 104 s.

New insight of hybrid membrane to degrade Congo red and Reactive yellow under sunlight

A study was carried out to investigate the degradation of organic contaminants (Congo red and Reactive yellow - 105) using cellulose acetate - polystyrene (CA-PS) membrane with and without ZnO impregnation. Scanning electron microscope (SEM), electron dispersive analysis of X-rays (EDAX), Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR), atomic force microscope (AFM) and thermogravimeric analysis (TG-DTA) analysis were carried out to characterize bare and ZnO impregnated CA-PS membranes. Membrane efficiency was also tested for pure water flux and antifouling performance. The modified membrane showed almost 85% water flux recovery. Blending of ZnO nanoparticles to CA-PS matrix could decrease membrane fouling and increase permeation quality of the membrane with above 90% of photocatalytic degradation efficiency for dyes. The rate of degradation of dyes was observed using UV–Vis spectrometer. Reusability of CA-PS-ZnO membrane was studied and no significant change was noted in the degradation efficiency until fourth cycle. Langmuir-Hinshelwood kinetic model well describes the photo degradation capacity and the degradation of dyes CR and RY – 105 exhibited pseudo-first order kinetics. The regression coefficient (R) of CR and RY - 105 found to be 0.99. The novelty of the prepared CA-PS-ZnO membrane is that it has better efficiency and high thermal stability than our previously reported material. Therefore, ZnO impregnated CA-PS membrane had proved to be an innovative alternative for the degradation of CR and RY - 105 dyes.

Study of the Effects of Ethanol As an Additive with a Blend of Poultry Litter Biodiesel and Alumina Nanoparticles on a Diesel Engine

AbstractWith the increasing population and rise in industrialization, the demand for petroleum reserves is increasing almost daily. This is causing depletion of the non-renewable energy resources. This work aims to find an alternative fuel for diesel engines. The use of poultry litter oil biodiesel obtained from poultry industry waste, which is a non-edible source for biodiesel, is very encouraging as an alternative fuel for diesel engines. The aim of this study is to observe and maximize the performance of poultry litter oil biodiesel by adding alumina nanoparticles and ethanol. The biodiesel is prepared with acid and the base catalysed transesterification of poultry litter oil with methanol using concentrated sulphuric acid and potassium hydroxide as catalysts. The experimentation is carried out on a CI engine with three different blends - B20 biodiesel blend, B20 biodiesel blend with 30 mg/L alumina nanoparticles, and B20 biodiesel blend with 30 mg/L alumina nanoparticles and 15 ml/L ethanol. The performance, combustion and emission characteristics of all three blends are compared with neat diesel. The results of the experiment show that ethanol as an additive improves the combustion and performance characteristics. It increases the brake thermal efficiency and peak cylinder pressure. It also reduces CO and UBHC emissions and there is a marginal increase in NOxemissions as compared to neat diesel.

Controlling nanoparticle crystallinity and surface enrichment in polymer (P3HT)/Nanoparticle(PCBM) blend films with tunable soft confinement

Light absorbing semi-crystalline polymers are often blended with crystallizing conductive nanoparticles for enhanced electrical properties in thin film photovoltaics. Here we develop a general strategy to control nanoparticles degree of crystallinity and relative surface segregation at the air boundary, important for flexible organic electronics. While SAM modified silicon surface has been extensively studied to control substrate segregation in OPV blend films, controlling the same at the air surface has not been explored significantly. Semi-crystalline polymers have high surface energy much like nanoparticles, so that the surface energy differential can be low, allowing for tunability of the lower surface energy component by a soft confinement strategy. Soft confinement can also be used to control the degree of crystallization of the surface segregating component. To this end, we study effect of soft confinement on P3HT:PCBM blend films, a model semi-crystalline polymer/nanoparticle system, in which both components crystallize with P3HT migrating to free air surface. We present a novel UVO treated fluorosilicone elastomer transient capping layer with controlled surface energy, γ, that can induce PCBM migration to the elastomer capped blend film interface. The transition of P3HT crystalline structure from face-on to edge-on with annealing is largely unaffected in the process. Effects of the casting solvent on the crystallization kinetics of thin P3HT:PCBM blend films under wide range of fluoroelastomer surface energy values γ (29–70 mJ/m2) was explored with differing outcomes. A notable result is that PCBM crystallization cast from o-dichlorobenzene (DCB) is suppressed without diffusing into the fluorosilicone layer. Our tunable surface energy soft-confinement strategy should be extendable to other polymer/nanoparticle thin film systems for broader impact in the scientific community.

Preparation and Characterization of Dual-Template Molecularly Imprinted Membrane with High Flux Based on Blending the Inorganic Nanoparticles

In this study, the dual-template molecularly imprinted composite membrane (D-MIM) was synthesized using ferulic acid and cinnamic acid as the mixed templates, α-methacrylic acid as functional monomer, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate as crosslinker, 2,2-azobisisobutyronitrile as photoinitiator inducing polymerization reaction, furthermore blended nanoparticles so as to improve mechanical strength and pure water flux of membrane. This paper has researched that the effect of variety of nanoparticles and its quantity, the quantity of photoinitiator, total template–functional monomer (T/F) ratio on performance of prepared membrane. The study has founded optimum parameters of synthesis: nanoparticles 18 nm TiO2 of 1 wt%, photoinitiator of 0.3 g, T/F ratio is 1:3. Under the above conditions, D-MIM would present a high separation efficiency of template molecules (ferulic acid and cinnamic acid) and the analogues (caffeic acid and syringic acid) with the permeation rate of about 100%. However, the permeation rate of glucose which has an analogous formula weight and extremely different structure is about 60%. From the foregoing, it showed that the D-MIM has specific selectively to the template molecules and its analogues, but the substances which have obvious distinctions in structure would present low permeation rate. It can be seen that D-MIM can identify the same kind of substance with specificity. Therefore, it can be used in the enrichment and separation of some active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine, the detection of toxic substances in food and so on. Finally, the scanning electron microscope and FT-IR spectrometer has been used to visualize the structure morphology of the prepared membrane and to quantity the surface characteristics.

Response of concrete with blended binders and nanoparticles to sulfuric acid attack

Concrete has long been the most popular material for the construction of key infrastructural elements such as sewerage pipes, water treatment facilities, industrial floors and foundations, which can be chemically vulnerable to damage by sulfuric acid attack. Since high alkalinity is required for stability of the cementitious matrix, concrete is susceptible to attack by acidic media, which may disintegrate the hydrated cement paste to various levels based on the prevailing exposure conditions and key mixture design parameters of concrete. This study investigated the response, in terms of physico-mechanical and microstructural features, of concrete comprising different types of cement (general-use or Portland limestone cement (PLC)) with various combinations of supplementary cementitious materials (fly ash, silica fume and nanosilica) to severe sulfuric acid exposure (immersion of test specimens in 5% sulfuric acid solution with a maximum pH threshold of 2·0 for 90 d). The results revealed that the surface degradation (mass loss) of concrete under severe sulfuric acid attack was independent of its penetrability (physical resistance), since very dense cementitious matrices (low penetrability) suffered severe deterioration. PLC may slightly improve the resistance of concrete to sulfuric acid attack whereas, among the blended binders tested, binary binders comprising 30% fly ash particularly improved the resistance of concrete to sulfuric acid attack due to an inert filler effect of fly ash particles at the exposed surface.

Effect of aluminium oxide nanoparticles blended pongamia methyl ester on performance, combustion and emission characteristics of diesel engine

Abstract The study investigates the effect of aluminium oxide nanoparticles as additive to pongamia methyl ester (PME) blends on performance, combustion and emission characteristics of a single cylinder direct injection diesel engine operated at constant speed at different operating conditions. The test fuels are indicated as B25 (75% diesel and 25% PME) and B25A50 (75% diesel and 25% PME and 50 ppm Aluminium oxide nanoparticles) and B25A100 (75% diesel and 25% PME and 100 ppm Aluminium oxide nanoparticles) respectively. The results indicate that the brake thermal efficiency for aluminium oxide nanoparticles blended pongamia methyl ester increases slightly while brake specific fuel consumption (BSFC) decreases when compared to other blends. The carbon monoxide (CO), unburnt hydrocarbon (HC) and smoke emission marginally decreases as compared to mineral diesel. Oxides of nitrogen (NO x ) emissions are higher for aluminium oxide nanoparticles blended pongamia methyl ester. Higher cylinder gas pressure and higher heat release rate were observed for aluminium oxide nanoparticles blended pongamia methyl ester. From the study, the blending of aluminium oxide nanoparticles in biodiesel blends produces most promising results in engine performance and also reduces the harmful emission from engines.

Multifunctional metal oxide nanoparticle decorated polypropylene knitted swatches

Two methods of fabricating metal oxide nanoparticle-functionalized knitted “swatches” from melt-extruded bi-component sheath/core polypropylene (PP) fibers are described, and their possible applications for photocatalysis and gas sensing are investigated. The first method consists of melt extruding a blend of metal oxide nanoparticles and PP into fibers that are subsequently knitted into swatch materials. This method was evaluated for ZnO nanospheres and nanorods. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and electron microscopy showed that the nanoparticles were in the near-surface region as well as in the bulk of the fibers. However, the particles were shown to be photocatalytically inactive, likely due to site blocking by PP or processing additives, such as fiber lubricants. The second method consists of plasma-treating virgin PP swatches in air, immersing them in metal oxide colloidal suspensions, ultra-sonicating them to remove loose nanoparticles and drying the swatches. XPS confirmed that plasma treatment forms carboxylate groups on the surface that bond the metal oxide nanoparticles to the swatch. This method was used to functionalize swatches with ZnO and TiO2 nanospheres and ZnO nanorods. Metal oxide functionalization was found to induce dramatic changes in the thermal decomposition temperature of the PP swatch and in the water contact angle, rendering the swatch hydrophobic and producing photocatalytically active PP fabrics. Photoluminescence of the ZnO nanoparticle swatches was measured and shown to change upon exposure to sulfur dioxide. Furthermore, the demonstration of metal oxide-functionalized swatches as a potential gas-sensing platform is discussed.

Anti-organic fouling and anti-biofouling poly(piperazineamide) thin film nanocomposite membranes for low pressure removal of heavy metal ions

Propensity towards anti-organic fouling, anti-biofouling property and low rejection of multivalent cation (monovalent counter ion) restricts the application of the state-of-art poly(piperazineamide) [poly(PIP)] thin film composite (TFC) nanofiltration (NF) membrane for the treatment of water containing toxic heavy metal ions, organic fouling agents and microbes. Herein, we report the preparation of thin film nanocomposite (TFNC) NF membranes with improved heavy metal ions rejection efficacy, anti-biofouling property, and anti-organic fouling properties compared to that of poly(PIP) TFC NF membrane. The TFNC NF membranes were prepared by the interfacial polymerization (IP) between PIP and trimesoyl chloride followed by post-treatment with polyethyleneimine (PEI) or PEI-polyethylene glycol conjugate and then immobilization of Ag NP. The IP was conducted on a polyethersulfone/poly(methyl methacrylate)-co-poly(vinyl pyrollidone)/silver nanoparticle (Ag NP) blend ultrafiltration membrane support. The TFNC membranes exhibited >99% rejection of Pb2+, 91–97% rejection of Cd2+, 90–96% rejection of Co2+ and 95–99% rejection of Cu2+ with permeate flux ∼40Lm−2h−1 at applied pressure 0.5MPa. The improved heavy metal ions rejection efficacy of the modified NF membranes is attributed to the development of positive surface charge as well as lowering of surface pore size compared to that of unmodified poly(PIP) TFC NF membrane.

Rheological characterization of gum and starch nanoparticle blends

Commercial interest on the application of starch nanoparticles (SNP) in food is rapidly growing. Since gums are commonly used in food processing for their texturizing functionality, it is important to understand the influence of SNP on gum rheology. λ-Carrageenan and xanthan gum were selected in this study due to their wide range of applications in food systems. SNP isolated from waxy (0% amylose) and high amylose maize (71% amylose) were used. Binary blends consisting of 0.5% (w/v) gum and different concentrations of SNP were prepared and their flow behaviors evaluated using a rheometer. The starch source, concentration and thermal stability of the SNP influenced the viscosity and viscoelastic properties of the gum-SNP blends, in particular in the low elasticity λ-carrageenan. The blends containing high concentrations of high amylose maize SNP, when compared to waxy SNP, showed higher viscoelastic stability at temperatures up to 90°C, possibly due to their higher thermal stability.

Assessment of in vitro antifungal efficacy and in vivo toxicity of Amphotericin B-loaded PLGA and PLGA-PEG blend nanoparticles

Amphotericin B (AmB) is widely applied in treatment of systemic fungal infections. However, the emergence of severe adverse effects, such as nephrotoxicity, hepatotoxicity and hemolytic anemia, can limit its clinical use. Poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) or poly(lactide-co-glycolide)-poly(ethylene glycol) (PLGA-PEG) blend nanoparticles containing AmB were developed with the aim to decrease AmB toxicity and propose the oral route for AmB delivery. Nanoparticles were characterized by particle size, polydispersity index, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffraction analyses. The antifungal activity was evaluated against strains of Candida albicans and Cryptococcus neoformans. Toxicity was evaluated by hemolysis assay and after 7 days treatment in rats. Mean nanoparticle size was below 200nm with low polydispersity and AmB encapsulation efficiency higher than 90%. Nanoencapsulation resulted in AmB amorphization and no chemical interaction between drug and polymer. In C.albicans, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of AmB-loaded PLGA-PEG nanoparticles was 2-fold higher than free AmB or marketed deoxycholate AmB (AmB-D), while MIC of AmB-loaded PLGA nanoparticles was 10-fold higher than AmB-loaded PLGA-PEG. In C.neoformans, the efficacy of AmB-loaded PLGA nanoparticles was comparable to free AmB, while AmB-loaded PLGA-PEG nanoparticles and AmB-D did not present MIC in tested concentration range. Nanoparticles inhibited the AmB-induced hemolysis. After 7 days treatment in rats, histologic examination revealed AmB-D treatment presented initial liver damage, while AmB-loaded nanoparticles did not present any hepatic cellular alteration. Kidney alteration was not observed in all treatments. Thus, PLGA and PLGA-PEG nanoparticles are promising carriers for AmB delivery with potential application in antifungal therapy.