Biological activity of silver nanoparticles synthesized using viticultural waste.

This research paper presents a novel approach to the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using viticultural waste, allowing to obtain NP dispersions with distinct properties and morphologies (monodisperse and polydisperse AgNPs, referred to as mAgNPs and pAgNPs) and to compare their biological activities. Our synthesis method utilized the ethanolic extract of Vitis vinifera pruning residues, resulting in the production of mAgNPs and pAgNPs with average sizes of 12 ± 5 nm and 19 ± 14 nm, respectively. Both these AgNPs preparations demonstrated an exceptional stability in terms of size distribution, which was maintained for one year. Antimicrobial testing revealed that both types of AgNPs inhibited either the growth of planktonic cells or the metabolic activity of biofilm sessile cells in Gram-negative bacteria and yeasts. No comparable activity was found towards Gram-positives. Overall, pAgNPs exhibited a higher antimicrobial efficacy compared to their monodisperse counterparts, suggesting that their size and shape may provide a broader spectrum of interactions with target cells. Both AgNP preparations showed no cytotoxicity towards a human keratinocyte cell line. Furthermore, in vivo tests using a silkworm animal model indicated the biocompatibility of the phytosynthesized AgNPs, as they had no adverse effects on insect larvae viability. These findings emphasize the potential of targeted AgNPs synthesized from viticultural waste as environmentally friendly antimicrobial agents with minimal impact on higher organisms.

Bimetallic nanoparticle production using Cannabis sativa and Vitis vinifera waste extracts.

The utilization of waste materials for the synthesis of nanoparticles has gained significant attention due to its potential for waste valorization and contribution to circular economy. In this study, bimetallic nanoparticles were produced using extracts derived from Cannabis sativa and Vitis vinifera waste, focusing on their green synthesis and antimicrobial activity against Gram-negative bacteria, specifically several strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The Vitis vinifera canes and post-extraction waste from Cannabis sativa were processed using an ethanol extraction method. The extract was then mixed with silver nitrate and tetrachloroauric acid solution at different reagent ratios to optimize the synthesis process. The resulting bimetallic nanoparticles (AgAuNPs) were characterized using UV-vis spectrophotometry, transmission electron microscopy, atomic absorption spectrometry, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The antimicrobial activity of the biosynthesized AgAuNPs was evaluated against various strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined using a microcultivation device, and the minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) was determined through subsequent solid medium cultivation. Additionally, the minimal biofilm inhibitory concentration (MBIC) was assessed using a polystyrene microtiter plate as biofilm carrier and measured through an assay determining the metabolic activity of biofilm cells. The results demonstrated successful synthesis of bimetallic nanoparticles using the extracts from Cannabis sativa and Vitis vinifera waste. The AgAuNPs exhibited significant antimicrobial activity against the tested Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains, inhibiting their growth and biofilm formation. These findings highlight the potential of waste valorization and circular economy in nanoparticle production and their application as effective antimicrobial agents. This study contributes to the growing field of sustainable nanotechnology and provides insights into the utilization of plant waste extracts for the synthesis of bimetallic nanoparticles with antimicrobial properties. The findings support the development of eco-friendly and cost-effective approaches for nanoparticle production while addressing the challenges of waste management and combating microbial infections.