Fungal chitosan based nanocomposites sponges-An alternative medicine for wound dressing.

The porous structured and cell proliferative biodegradable fungal chitosan (FCS) based composites with potential antibacterial property was prepared with Aloe vera extract (ALE) and the plant Cuscuta reflexa mediated biosynthesized silver nanoparticles (CUS-AgNPS) were developed for wound dressing applications by freeze drying method. Fungal chitosan was derived from Cunninghamella elegans a species belongs the family of Zygomycetes. The CUS-AgNPS were characterized by the UV-vis spectrum, XRD and SEM. CUS-AgNPS were loaded into the FCS-ALE sponges and were characterized by UV-vis spectrum, FT-IR and SEM. The nanocomposite sponges (FCS-ALE/CUS-AgNPS) showed prominent results against the different pathogenic bacteria and did not affect the cells were tested in vitro cell viability against human dermal fibroblast cell (HDF cells) which revealed significant cell viability. Based on these observations our composite formulation (FCS/ALE/CUS-AgNPS) could be suggested potential for wound dressing applications.

Phytogenic synthesis of silver nanoparticles, optimization and evaluation of in vitro antifungal activity against human and plant pathogens.

An attempt was made to synthesis of biocompatible silver nanoparticles from ten different Cassia spp. Among them, Cassia roxburghii aqueous leaf extract supported the synthesis of highly efficient and stable AgNPs. The synthesis of AgNPs was optimized at different physico-chemical condition and highly stable AgNPs were synthesized with 1.0mL of C. roxburghii leaf extract, pH 7.0, 1.0mM AgNO3 and at 37°C. The synthesized AgNPs were characterized by XPS, DLS and ZETA potential. DLS and ZETA potential analysis, the average AgNPs size was 35nm and the zeta potential was -18.3mV. The AgNPs exhibit higher antifungal activity when compared with the conventional antifungal drug amphotericin B against all the tested human fungal pathogens such as Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus flavus, Penicillium sp., Candida albicans and the plant pathogens such as Rhizoctonia solani, Fusarium oxysporum and Curvularia sp. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis showed distinct structural changes in the cell membranes of C. albicans upon AgNPs treatment. These results suggest that phytosynthesized AgNPs could be used as effective growth inhibitors in controlling various human and plant diseases caused by fungi.

Mycosynthesis of silver and gold nanoparticles: Optimization, characterization and antimicrobial activity against human pathogens.

This study was aimed to isolate soil fungi from Kolli and Yercaud Hills, South India with the ultimate objective of producing antimicrobial nanoparticles. Among 65 fungi tested, the isolate, Bios PTK 6 extracellularly synthesized both silver and gold nanoparticles with good monodispersity. Under optimized reaction conditions, the strain Bios PTK 6 identified as Aspergillus terreus has produced extremely stable nanoparticles within 12h. These nanoparticles were characterized by UV-vis. spectrophotometer, HR-TEM, FTIR, XRD, EDX, SAED, ICP-AES and Zetasizer analyses. A. terreus synthesized 8-20 nm sized, spherical shaped silver nanoparticles whereas gold nanoparticles showed many interesting morphologies with a size of 10-50 nm. The presence and binding of proteins with nanoparticles was confirmed by FTIR study. Interestingly, the myco derived silver nanoparticles exhibited superior antimicrobial activity than the standard antibiotic, streptomycin except against Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis. The leakage of intracellular components such as protein and nucleic acid demonstrated that silver nanoparticles damage the bacterial cells by formation of pores, which affects membrane permeability and finally leads to cell death. Further, presence of nanoparticles in the bacterial membrane and the breakage of cell wall were also observed using SEM. Thus, the obtained results clearly reveal that these antimicrobial nanoparticles could be explored as promising candidates for a variety of biomedical and pharmaceutical applications.

Luminescent Silver-Purine Double Helicate: Synthesis, Self-Assembly and Antibacterial Action.

Invited for this month's cover is the group of Prof. Sandeep Verma from the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, India. The cover picture shows the release of silver ions from silver-purine double helicate assembly that exhibits antibacterial activity against Gram-negative bacteria, E. coli. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/cplu.201600293.

Luminescent Silver-Purine Double Helicate: Synthesis, Self-Assembly and Antibacterial Action.

The synthesis, self-assembly and antibacterial activity of a luminescent silver-purine double helicate is reported. The structure of the newly synthesized silver-supported helicate [C36 H24 N16 O4 Cl5 Ag1 ] was unambiguously characterized by single-crystal X-ray crystallography. It exhibited a bright bluish-green emission (λmax =460 nm), when excited with 380 nm light. Microscopic investigations showed that the complex has a propensity to self-assemble into nanospheres. The antibacterial activity of this silver-containing helicate was studied against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. MIC (minimal inhibitory concentration) values showed that the complex is very active against Gram-negative bacteria. Further internalization of the silver complex into E. coli bacteria was mapped with the help of microscopic techniques. These results are significant as silver was recently found to enhance antibiotic action against Gram-negative bacteria, raising hope in countering severe bacterial infections.

Exploitation of endophytic fungus, Guignardia mangiferae for extracellular synthesis of silver nanoparticles and their in vitro biological activities.

The aim of this study was to synthesize highly biocompatible and functionalized silver nanoparticles using endophytic fungi isolated from the leaves of medicinal plants. Among 13 fungi tested, the isolate, Guignardia mangiferae (Bios PTK 4) extracellularly synthesized well-dispersed and extremely stable silver nanoparticles under optimized reaction conditions within 12 h. These nanoparticles were characterized by HR-TEM, SAED, XRD and EDX analyses. G. mangiferae synthesized 5-30 nm sized, spherical shaped silver nanoparticles. Effect of pH on the antibacterial activity of silver nanoparticles was studied using well diffusion assay; on the basis of particle stability and antibacterial activity, pH 7 was found to be optimum. The leakage of intracellular components has clearly demonstrated that silver nanoparticles damage the bacterial cells by formation of pores, which affect the membrane permeability and finally leads to cell death. In addition, silver nanoparticles exhibited excellent antifungal activity against plant pathogenic fungi. Cytotoxic effects of silver nanoparticles showed IC50 values of 63.37, 27.54 and 23.84 µg/mL against normal African monkey kidney (Vero), HeLa (cervical) and MCF-7 (breast) cells, respectively, at 24 h incubation period. Thus, the obtained results convincingly suggest that silver nanoparticles synthesized from G. mangiferae are highly biocompatible and have wider applicability and they could be explored as promising candidates for a variety of biomedical/pharmaceutical and agricultural applications.

A comparative study on biologically and chemically synthesized silver nanoparticles induced Heat Shock Proteins on fresh water fish Oreochromis niloticus.

The wide applicability of silver nanoparticles in medicine and pharmaceutical industries leads to its over exploitation and thus contaminating our environment. Majority of these nanoscale dimension particles finally accumulates in fresh water and marine ecosystem. As the nanoparticles behave entirely different from its corresponding bulk material, a better understanding of their environmental impacts in aquatic ecosystems is inevitable. The study was focused on a comparative stress physiology analysis of chemically synthesized silver nanoparticles and biogenic silver nanoparticles. Half maximal inhibitory concentration of biologically synthesized and chemically synthesized nanoparticles was found out (30µg/mL and 20µg/mL respectively). The Heat Shock Protein (HSP70) secretion was analysed in the fresh water fish Oreochromis niloticus after exposing to different concentrations of biologically and chemically synthesized silver nanoparticles along with the silver in its ionic form. The intense immune-histochemical staining of fish tissues (muscle, kidney and liver) analyzed proportionately reflected the stress created. The colour intensity was directly proportional to the stress created or the stress protein released. High level of HSP70 expression was observed in all of the fish tissues exposed to silver ions and chemically synthesized silver nanoparticles, when compared to that of biologically synthesized. The results revealed the significance of comparatively safe and less toxic biogenic nanoparticles compared to the chemically synthesized.

'Green' biocompatible organic-inorganic hybrid electrospun nanofibers for potential biomedical applications.

Gold nanoparticles were prepared by green route using Couroupita guianensis leaves extract. The green synthesized gold nanoparticles exhibited maximum absorbance at 526 nm in the ultraviolet spectrum. By incorporating the green synthesized gold nanoparticles in poly(vinyl alcohol) matrix, unique green organic-inorganic hybrid nanofibers (poly (vinyl alcohol : )-gold nanoparticles) were developed by electrospinning. Contact angle measurements showed that the prepared poly (vinyl alcohol)-gold nanoparticles were found to be highly hydrophilic. The crystallinity of gold nanoparticles was analyzed using XRD. The synthesized gold nanoparticles and poly (vinyl alcohol)-gold nanoparticles were characterized using high-resolution transmission electron microscope, Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy and energy-dispersive analysis of X-ray. The ultimate aim of the present work is to achieve optimum antibacterial, antifungal, biocompatibility and antiproliferative activities at a very low loading of gold nanoparticles. Vero cell lines showed a maximum of 90% cell viability on incubation with the prepared poly (vinyl alcohol)-gold nanoparticles. MCF 7 and HeLa cell lines proliferated only to 8% and 9%, respectively, on incubation with the poly (vinyl alcohol)-gold nanoparticles, and also exhibited good antibacterial and antifungal activities against test pathogenic bacterial and fungal strains. Thus, the poly (vinyl alcohol)-gold nanoparticles could be used for dual applications such as antimicrobial, anticancer treatment besides being highly biocompatible.

Biogenic nanosilver incorporated reverse osmosis membrane for antibacterial and antifungal activities against selected pathogenic strains: an enhanced eco-friendly water disinfection approach.

Reverse osmosis (RO) membranes have been used extensively in water desalination plants, waste water treatment in industries, agricultural farms and drinking water production applications. The objective of this work is to impart antibacterial and antifungal activities to commercially available RO membrane used in water purification systems by incorporating biogenic silver nanoparticles(AgNPs) synthesized using Rosa indica wichuriana hybrid leaf extract. The morphology and surface topography of uncoated and AgNPs-coated RO membrane were studied using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). Elemental composition of the AgNPs-coated RO membrane was analyzed by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDAX). The functional groups were identified by Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). Hydrophilicity of the uncoated and AgNPs-coated RO membrane was analyzed using water contact angle measurements. The thermal properties were studied by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The AgNPs incorporated RO membrane exhibited good antibacterial and antifungal activities against pathogenic bacterial strains such as E. coli, S. aureus, M. luteus, K. pneumoniae, and P. aeruginosa and fungal strains such as Candida tropicalis, C. krusei, C. glabrata, and C. albicans.

Production, optimization and characterization of fibrinolytic enzyme by Bacillus subtilis RJAS19.

The present study aimed at the production, purification and characterization of fibrinolytic nattokinase enzyme from the bacteria isolated from natto food. For the purpose, a fibrinolytic bacterium was isolated and identified as Bacillus subtilis based on 16S rDNA sequence analysis. The strain was employed for the production and optimization of fibrinolytic enzyme. The strain showed better enzyme production during 72nd h of incubation time with 50 degrees C at the pH 9. The lactose and peptone were found to be increasing the enzyme production rate. The enzyme produced was purified and also characterized with the help of SDS-PAGE analysis. The activity and stability profile of the purified enzyme was tested against different temperature and pH. The observations suggesting that the potential of fibrinolytic enzyme produced by Bacillus subtilis RJAS 19 for its applications in preventive medicines.

Acalypha indica Linn: Biogenic synthesis of silver and gold nanoparticles and their cytotoxic effects against MDA-MB-231, human breast cancer cells.

This study reports the in vitro cytotoxic effect of biologically synthesized silver and gold nanoparticles against MDA-MB-231, human breast cancer cells. Formation of silver and gold nanoparticles was observed within 30 min and the various characterization techniques such as UV-vis spectrophotometer, FE-SEM, TEM and XRD studies were confirmed the synthesis of nanoparticles. Further, MTT, acridine orange and ethidium bromide (AO/EB) dual staining, caspase-3 and DNA fragmentation assays were carried out using various concentrations of silver and gold nanoparticles ranging from 1 to 100 µg/ml. At 100 µg/ml concentration, the plant extract derived nanoparticles exhibited significant cytotoxic effects and the apoptotic features were confirmed through caspase-3 activation and DNA fragmentation assays. Thus, the results of the present study indicate that biologically synthesized silver and gold nanoparticles might be used to treat breast cancer; however, it necessitates clinical studies to ascertain their potential as anticancer agents.

Ecotoxicity of nanoparticles.

Nanotechnology is a science of producing and utilizing nanosized particles that are measured in nanometers. The unique size-dependent properties make the nanoparticles superior and indispensable as they show unusual physical, chemical, and properties such as conductivity, heat transfer, melting temperature, optical properties, and magnetization. Taking the advantages of these singular properties in order to develop new products is the main purpose of nanotechnology, and that is why it is regarded as "the next industrial revolution." Although nanotechnology is quite a recent discipline, there have already high number of publications which discuss this topic. However, the safety of nanomaterials is of high priority. Whereas toxicity focuses on human beings and aims at protecting individuals, ecotoxicity looks at various trophic organism levels and intend to protect populations and ecosystems. Ecotoxicity includes natural uptake mechanisms and the influence of environmental factors on bioavailability (and thereby on toxicity). The present paper focuses on the ecotoxic effects and mechanisms of nanomaterials on microorganisms, plants, and other organisms including humans.

Augmentation of PCR efficiency using highly thermostable gold nanoparticles synthesized from a thermophilic bacterium, Geobacillus stearothermophilus.

Biogenic gold nanoparticles were synthesized from the Geobacillus stearothermophilus cell-free extract. These nanoparticles were characterized by UV-vis spectroscopy, FTIR, TEM, and XRD. The gold nanoparticles showed an absorption maximum at 522 nm. The TEM micrograph revealed the formation of monodispersed particles. The high degree of stability of the nanoparticle solution could be attributed to the secretion of certain capping proteins by the bacterium in the reaction mixture which was confirmed by the FTIR and UV-vis spectrometric analyses. The heat transfer property of the gold nanoparticles in aqueous solution has been explored in the current study for augmenting the PCR efficiency. The highly thermostable biogenic gold nanoparticles effectively increased the yield, product specificity besides reducing the reaction time of the PCR.

Optimization for rapid synthesis of silver nanoparticles and its effect on phytopathogenic fungi.

In this present study, silver nanoparticles were synthesized by green chemistry approach using Acalypha indica leaf extract as reducing agents. The reaction medium employed in the synthesis process was optimized to attain better yield, controlled size and stability. Further, the biosynthesized silver nanoparticles were conformed through UV-vis spectrum, XRD and HR-TEM analyses. Different concentration of silver nanoparticles were tested to know the inhibitory effect of fungal plant pathogens namely Alternaria alternata, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Macrophomina phaseolina, Rhizoctonia solani, Botrytis cinerea and Curvularia lunata. Interestingly, 15 mg concentration of silver nanoparticles showed excellent inhibitory activity against all the tested pathogens. Thus, the obtained results clearly suggest that silver nanoparticles may have important applications in controlling various plant diseases caused by fungi.

Biosynthesis of anisotropic gold nanoparticles using Maduca longifolia extract and their potential in infrared absorption.

Metal nanoparticles, in general, and gold nanoparticles, in particular, are very attractive because of their size- and shape-dependent properties. Biosynthesis of anisotropic gold nanoparticles using aqueous extract of Madhuca longifolia and their potential as IR blockers has been demonstrated. The tyrosine residue was identified as the active functional group for gold ion reduction. These gold nanoparticles were characterized by of UV-Vis spectrophotometer, FTIR, TEM and HrTEM. The presence of proteins was identified by FTIR, SDS-PAGE, UV-Vis and fluorescence spectroscopy. The micrograph revealed the formation of anisotropic gold nanoaprticles. The biologically synthesized gold nanotriangles can be easily coated in the glass windows which are highly efficient in absorbing IR radiations.

Blue orange light emission from biogenic synthesized silver nanoparticles using Trichoderma viride.

Recent advances in nanomaterial have produced a new class of fluorescence labels by conjugating noble metal with biomolecules. The nanometer size metal conjugates are water soluble, biocompatible and provide important advantage over the fluorescence dyes. In this regard we synthesized silver nanoparticles at the size of 2-4 nm using biological route and studied fluorescence property of these nanoparticles. We observe that these silver (Ag(+)) ions when exposed to filtrate of Trichoderma viride are reduced in solution, thereby leading to the formation of an extremely stable silver hydrosol. These silver nanoparticles were characterized by means of UV-vis spectrophotometer, FTIR, HrTEM, EDX, XRD and fluorescence spectroscopy. The nanoparticles exhibit maximum absorbance at 405 nm in UV-vis spectrum. The presence of proteins was identified by FTIR. The HrTEM micrograph revealed the formation of monodispersed spherical nanoparticles and the presence of elemental silver was confirmed by EDX analysis and XRD. These monodispersed silver nanoparticles showed emission in the range of 320-520 nm wavelength.

Synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Acalypha indica leaf extracts and its antibacterial activity against water borne pathogens.

In the present study, biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles and its activity on water borne bacterial pathogens were investigated. Silver nanoparticles were rapidly synthesized using leaf extract of Acalypha indica and the formation of nanoparticles was observed within 30min. The results recorded from UV-vis spectrum, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) support the biosynthesis and characterization of silver nanoparticles. From high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) analysis, the size of the silver nanoparticles was measured 20-30nm. Further, the antibacterial activity of synthesized silver nanoparticles showed effective inhibitory activity against water borne pathogens Viz., Escherichia coli and Vibrio cholerae. Silver nanoparticles 10microg/ml were recorded as the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) against E. coli and V. cholerae. Alteration in membrane permeability and respiration of the silver nanoparticle treated bacterial cells were evident from the activity of silver nanoparticles.

Fungal based synthesis of silver nanoparticles--an effect of temperature on the size of particles.

A simple and effective approach to aqueous based biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles was demonstrated and the effect of temperature on controlling size of silver nanoparticles was studied. The morphology and uniformity of silver nanoparticles were investigated by UV-Vis spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and HrTEM. The functional group of protein molecule was identified using FTIR. Increase in reaction temperature leads to decrease in size of silver nanoparticles and increase in monodispersity.

Mycobased synthesis of silver nanoparticles and their incorporation into sodium alginate films for vegetable and fruit preservation.

Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles using Trichoderma viride and their incorporation into sodium alginate for vegetable and fruit preservation has been demonstrated in this study. Aqueous silver (Ag(+)) ions when exposed to the filtrate of T. viride are reduced in solution. These extremely stable silver nanoparticles were characterized by means of UV-vis spectrophotometer, FTIR, TEM, and EDS. The nanoparticles exhibit maximum absorbance at 421 nm in the UV spectrum. The presence of proteins was identified by FTIR. TEM micrograph revealed the formation of polydispersed nanoparticles, and the presence of elemental silver was confirmed by EDS analysis. The silver nanoparticle incorporated sodium alginate thin film shows good antibacterial activity against test strains. This film increases the shelf life of carrot and pear when compared to control with respect to weight loss and soluble protein content. These results show silver nanoparticle incorporated sodium alginate coated vegetables and fruits are suitable for preservation.

Purification, characterization and crystallization of an extracellular alkaline protease from Aspergillus nidulans HA-10.

Aspergillus nidulans is a highly potent fungus used in the production of alkaline protease. Extracellular alkaline protease was purified from A. nidulans in a two-step procedure involving ammonium sulphate precipitation and Sephadex G-100 column chromatography. The molecular mass of the enzyme was determined to be 42 kDa by SDS-PAGE. The enzyme activity was also analyzed by zymogram with gelatin. The enzyme was more stable over a wide range of pH (6-10) and the temperatures up to 50 degrees C. It showed optimum enzyme activity at pH 8.0 and a temperature of 35 degrees C. The protease enzyme was completely inhibited by the serine protease inhibitor of phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride (PMSF). The crystallization of the purified enzyme was performed by hanging drop vapour diffusion method using PEG 6000 as the precipitant. The micro crystals occurred in 40% of PEG 6,000.