Biogenic gold nanoparticles for reduction of 4-nitrophenol to 4-aminophenol: an eco-friendly bioremediation.

The present study investigated the synthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) using mangrove plant extract from Avicennia marina as bioreductant for eco-friendly bioremediation of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP). The AuNPs synthesised were confirmed by UV spectrum, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction, Fourier transmission infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and zeta potential. The AuNPs were found to be spherical in shape with size ranging from 4 to 13 nm, as evident by TEM and DLS. Further, the AuNPs were encapsulated with sodium alginate in the form of gold nano beads and used as heterogeneous catalyst and degrading agent to reduce 4-NP. This reduction in 4-NP into 4-aminophenol was confirmed by UV and FTIR. The aqueous solution of 4-NP peaked its absorbance at 320 nm, and shifted to 400 nm, with an intense yellow colour, appeared due to formation of 4-nitrophenolate ion. After the addition of AuNps, the 4-NP solution became colourless and peaked at 400 nm and reduced to 290 nm corresponding to the formation of 4-aminophenol. Hence, the present work suggested the AuNPs as the potent, eco-friendly bionanocomposite catalyst for bioremediation of 4-NP.

Analysis of antimicrobial silver nanoparticles synthesized by coastal strains of Escherichia coli and Aspergillus niger.

The present study investigated the extracellular biosynthesis of antimicrobial silver nanoparticles by Escherichia coli AUCAS 112 and Aspergillus niger AUCAS 237 derived from coastal mangrove sediment of southeast India. Both microbial species were able to produce silver nanoparticles, as confirmed by X-ray diffraction spectrum. The nanoparticles synthesized were mostly spherical, ranging in size from 5 to 20 nm for E. coli and from 5 to 35 nm for A. niger, as evident by transmission electron microscopy. Fourier transform spectroscopy revealed prominent peaks corresponding to amides I and II, indicating the presence of a protein for stabilizing the nanoparticles. Electrophoretic analysis revealed the presence of a prominent protein band with a molecular mass of 45 kDa for E. coli and 70 kDa for A. niger. The silver nanoparticles inhibited certain clinical pathogens, with antibacterial activity being more distinct than antifungal activity. The antimicrobial activity of E. coli was more pronounced than that of A. niger and was enhanced with the addition of polyvinyl alcohol as a stabilizing agent. This work highlighted the possibility of using microbes of coastal origin for synthesis of antimicrobial silver nanoparticles.

Synthesis of antimicrobial silver nanoparticles by callus and leaf extracts from saltmarsh plant, Sesuvium portulacastrum L.

The present work studied the effect of extracts from tissue culture-derived callus and leaf of the saltmarsh plant, Sesuvium portulacastrum L. on synthesis of antimicrobial silver nanoparticles using AgNO(3) as a substrate. The callus extract could be able to produce silver nanoparticles, better than leaf extract. The synthesis of silver nanoparticles was confirmed with X-ray diffraction spectrum which exhibited intense peaks, corresponding to the (1 1 1), (2 0 0), (2 2 0), (3 1 1), and (2 2 2) sets of lattice planes of silver. The extracts incubated with AgNO(3) showed gradual change in color of the extracts to yellowish brown, with intensity increasing during the period of incubation. Control without silver nitrate did not show any change in color. The silver nanoparticles synthesized were generally found to be spherical in shape with variable size ranging from 5 to 20 nm, as evident by Transmission Electron Microscopy. There were prominent peaks in the extracts corresponding to amide I, II and III indicating the presence of the protein, as revealed by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy measurement. There were also peaks that were corresponding to aromatic rings, geminal methyls and ether linkages, indicating the presence of flavones and terpenoids responsible for the stabilization of the silver nanoparticles. The silver nanoparticles were observed to inhibit clinical strains of bacteria and fungi. The antibacterial activity was more distinct than antifungal activity. The antimicrobial activity was enhanced when polyvinyl alcohol was added as a stabilizing agent. The present work highlighted the possibility of using tissue culture-derived callus extract from the coastal saltmarsh species for the synthesis of antimicrobial silver nanoparticles.