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Search Results (224)

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Keywords = plasmonic-active silver nanoparticles

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27 pages, 10845 KB  
Article
Multifunctional Ag Nanoparticles and Ag/Jute Nanocomposites Derived from Erythroxylum coca Tea Waste for Antimicrobial Activity and Single/Multicomponent Catalytic Pollutant Degradation
by Yeshua Díaz Zamora, Mateo Burke Irazoque, Carla Calderón Toledo, Sergio Gutiérrez Cortez, Alien Blanco Flores, Delfino Reyes Contreras, Miguel A. Camacho López, Helen Paola Toledo Jaldin, Delia Monserrat Ávila Márquez and Alfredo Rafael Vilchis Néstor
J. Compos. Sci. 2026, 10(7), 342; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs10070342 - 28 Jun 2026
Viewed by 317
Abstract
This work presents a sustainable strategy for the fabrication of multifunctional silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) and Ag/jute nanocomposites using Erythroxylum coca tea waste extract as a bioreducing and stabilizing agent, combined with picosecond pulsed laser irradiation. UV–Vis spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy revealed the [...] Read more.
This work presents a sustainable strategy for the fabrication of multifunctional silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) and Ag/jute nanocomposites using Erythroxylum coca tea waste extract as a bioreducing and stabilizing agent, combined with picosecond pulsed laser irradiation. UV–Vis spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy revealed the formation of Ag-NPs with diverse morphologies and broad size distributions, which became significantly more uniform after laser post-treatment without the need for additional chemical reagents. Following laser irradiation, the initially broad Ag surface plasmon resonance (SPR) peak transformed into a symmetric Gaussian-shaped band, centered at 407 ± 3 nm for all the Ag-NPs systems. The catalytic performance of unsupported Ag-NPs and Ag-NPs supported on jute fibers was comparatively evaluated by degrading Congo red (CR) dye, revealing that the supported nanocomposites exhibited enhanced catalytic stability, higher pollutant removal efficiency, and improved catalyst recovery. Furthermore, multicomponent catalytic reduction experiments involving CR and 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) in the presence of NaBH4 revealed simultaneous degradation and reduction pathways mediated by the Ag/jute nanocomposites, as evidenced by the emergence of new absorption bands during the reaction. In parallel, the synthesized Ag-NPs demonstrated pronounced antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli, generating well-defined inhibition zones. Beyond conventional approaches centered on nanoparticle synthesis and morphology optimization, this study establishes a platform that combines agricultural waste valorization, laser-assisted nanoparticle engineering, and natural-fiber-supported nanocomposite fabrication, enabling efficient remediation of both single- and multicomponent pollutant systems while promoting catalyst reusability and environmental sustainability. These findings demonstrate the Ag/jute nanocomposites as sustainable and scalable catalytic materials for wastewater remediation and antimicrobial applications. Full article
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30 pages, 5112 KB  
Article
Kombucha-Mediated Silver Nanoparticles with Fungicidal Activity Against WHO-Priority Candida Pathogens: In Vitro and Galleria mellonella Evaluation
by Razvan Vlad Opris, Dan Alexandru Toc, Alina Mihaela Baciu, Ioana Alina Colosi, Vlad Sever Neculicioiu, Anca Onaciu, Cristian-Silviu Moldovan, Ana-Maria Vlase, Carmen Costache and Adrian Florea
Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2026, 48(6), 634; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb48060634 - 17 Jun 2026
Viewed by 275
Abstract
Invasive candidiasis caused by drug-resistant Candida species represents a critical global health challenge, with few novel therapeutic scaffolds under development. Here, silver nanoparticles were synthesized using a 21-day fermented Chun Mee kombucha tea extract (K-AgNPs) and characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, [...] Read more.
Invasive candidiasis caused by drug-resistant Candida species represents a critical global health challenge, with few novel therapeutic scaffolds under development. Here, silver nanoparticles were synthesized using a 21-day fermented Chun Mee kombucha tea extract (K-AgNPs) and characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, nanoparticle tracking analysis, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. LC-MS/MS profiling of the kombucha substrate documented a phytochemical landscape dominated by epigallocatechin (up to 122,631 µg/mL) and epigallocatechin gallate (up to 415 µg/mL), with a progressive ~80% decline in epicatechin and concomitant increases in gallic acid and chlorogenic acid across the 21-day fermentation. K-AgNPs obtained were spherical, 19.4 nm (±7.9 nm SD) in diameter, with a surface plasmon resonance peak at 415 nm. FTIR confirmed phenolic, carboxylate, and glycosidic surface capping. Antifungal susceptibility testing against eight Candida species, including the WHO critical–priority pathogen Candidozyma auris, showed concordant minimum inhibitory and minimum fungicidal concentrations of 0.80–1.60 µg/mL, confirming fungicidal activity. In vivo evaluation in Galleria mellonella larvae across six infection models demonstrated that K-AgNP treatment at the species-specific MIC significantly improved larval survival versus untreated infected controls (p < 0.01–0.001), while nanoparticle-only groups maintained ≥98% survival, indicating negligible toxicity. Co-treatment amplified total hemocyte mobilization, and K-AgNP-only larvae maintained hemocyte viability above 96% at all time points, indistinguishable from negative controls. Together, these findings demonstrate antifungal activity of K-AgNPs across the genus Candida in standardized in vitro and in vivo settings and provide justification for further investigation, including head-to-head comparison against licensed antifungals and physicochemical validation of nanoparticle stability under assay conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Nanoparticles on Living Organisms, 3rd Edition)
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30 pages, 16724 KB  
Article
Silver Nanoparticles Produced by Rooibos Kombucha Suppress Bacterial Biofilms and Improve Survival in Galleria mellonella Infection Model
by Razvan Vlad Opris, Alina Mihaela Baciu, Ioana Alina Colosi, Vlad Sever Neculicioiu, Anca Onaciu, Cristian-Silviu Moldovan, Ana-Maria Vlase, Carmen Costache and Adrian Florea
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(12), 5274; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27125274 - 10 Jun 2026
Viewed by 205
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance and biofilm-associated infections require sustainable antimicrobial platforms that combine efficacy with biocompatibility. Fermented matrices are attractive for green nanomaterial production because they provide reducing metabolites and surface-active capping compounds. Rooibos kombucha is a polyphenol-rich fermentation system with potential to serve as [...] Read more.
Antibiotic resistance and biofilm-associated infections require sustainable antimicrobial platforms that combine efficacy with biocompatibility. Fermented matrices are attractive for green nanomaterial production because they provide reducing metabolites and surface-active capping compounds. Rooibos kombucha is a polyphenol-rich fermentation system with potential to serve as a biosynthetic matrix for silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). The present work aimed to develop a rooibos kombucha-enabled platform for the green biosynthesis of phytochemical-capped silver nanoparticles, AgNPs-K, and evaluate their antibacterial, antibiofilm, and in vivo activity. Rooibos kombucha was fermented for 14 days and profiled by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS). AgNPs-K were generated using kombucha extract and AgNO3, purified, and characterized by ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV–Vis), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and nanoparticle tracking analysis. Antibacterial activity against eight Gram-positive and Gram-negative reference pathogens was assessed by EUCAST-based microdilution and time-kill assays. Biofilm inhibition was measured by the crystal violet assay. In vivo toxicity and therapeutic efficacy were evaluated in Galleria mellonella larvae. AgNP formation was confirmed by a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) peak at 415 nm. TEM showed predominantly spherical nanoparticles with a main size range of 20–30 nm, a hydrodynamic diameter of 98 nm, and a zeta potential of −14.62 ± 0.04 mV. AgNPs-K showed overlapping minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration values of 1.14 µg/mL for Gram-positive species and 1.33 µg/mL for Gram-negative species. Time-kill assays showed rapid bactericidal activity after threshold concentrations were reached, with sustained suppression at 24 h. Biofilm formation was abolished at 40 µg/mL and strongly reduced at lower concentrations. AgNPs-K were non-toxic up to 400 µg/mL and improved survival in six of seven infection models. Fermented rooibos kombucha functions as an effective biosynthetic matrix for the green production of phytochemical-capped AgNPs. The resulting nanoparticles combine low-dose antibacterial and antibiofilm activity with favorable in vivo tolerability and efficacy, supporting fermentation-enabled nanobiotechnology strategies against biofilm-associated infection. Full article
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25 pages, 4238 KB  
Article
Advanced Antibacterial Nanocomposite Fibers for Biomedical Applications
by Francisca Acevedo, Manuel Azocar, Eulàlia Sans-Serramitjana, Jeyson Hermosilla, Felipe Gálvez-Jirón, Denisse Bravo, Dayaimi Gonzalez, Gabriela Guajardo, Cristóbal Guajardo and Rodrigo Navia
Pharmaceutics 2026, 18(6), 711; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics18060711 - 9 Jun 2026
Viewed by 510
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Wound infections represent a major clinical challenge due to their polymicrobial nature, biofilm formation, and increasing antimicrobial resistance, which compromise conventional treatments. This study aimed to develop and evaluate ligand-stabilized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) with improved antimicrobial activity and cytocompatibility, and to investigate [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Wound infections represent a major clinical challenge due to their polymicrobial nature, biofilm formation, and increasing antimicrobial resistance, which compromise conventional treatments. This study aimed to develop and evaluate ligand-stabilized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) with improved antimicrobial activity and cytocompatibility, and to investigate their incorporation into electrospun nanofibers for wound management. Methods: Four AgNP formulations stabilized with citrate, cysteine, ketorolac, and diclofenac were synthesized via chemical reduction. Physicochemical characterization included surface plasmon resonance and zeta potential measurements. Antimicrobial activity was assessed through minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and bactericidal assays against Gram-positive, Gram-negative, and fungal strains. Toxicity was evaluated using the HET-CAM assay, while cytocompatibility was determined in fibroblasts, MG-63 cells, and mesenchymal stem cells. Diclofenac-stabilized AgNPs were incorporated into electrospun PCL/PEO nanofibers to generate a functional nanocomposite system. Results: All AgNPs exhibited a characteristic SPR at ~400 nm and high colloidal stability. Diclofenac-stabilized AgNPs (dc-AgNPs) showed the highest antimicrobial activity, with MIC values of 18.8 mg/L against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and 4.7 mg/L against Candida albicans, along with strong bactericidal effects. HET-CAM assays indicated negligible irritation at concentrations up to 75 mg/L. Cytocompatibility results revealed a dose-dependent response, with fibroblasts being more sensitive. Electrospun nanofibers loaded with dc-AgNPs achieved a 2.6 log reduction against Streptococcus mutans and moderate reductions (0.4–0.7 log) against other pathogens. Conclusions: Ligand engineering critically influences the antimicrobial efficacy and biocompatibility of AgNPs. The incorporation of dc-AgNPs into electrospun nanofibers represents a promising approach for treating biofilm-associated wound infections. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antibacterial Applications of Novel Nanoscale Biocompounds)
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23 pages, 7017 KB  
Article
Plant-Mediated Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Salvia tomentosa: Characterization and Evaluation of Their Multifunctional Biological Activities, Including DNA Binding
by Havva Karahan, Ufuk Yildiz, Zeynep Şahintaş and Hatice Çölgeçen
Nanomaterials 2026, 16(11), 679; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano16110679 - 29 May 2026
Viewed by 473
Abstract
This study reports the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Salvia tomentosa L. leaf extract, and evaluates their physicochemical characteristics and biointerfacial performance, including DNA interaction, antibacterial activity, and antioxidant capacity. AgNP formation was confirmed by UV-Vis spectroscopy through a surface plasmon [...] Read more.
This study reports the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Salvia tomentosa L. leaf extract, and evaluates their physicochemical characteristics and biointerfacial performance, including DNA interaction, antibacterial activity, and antioxidant capacity. AgNP formation was confirmed by UV-Vis spectroscopy through a surface plasmon resonance band at 472 nm. SEM imaging showed predominantly spherical particles with sizes of 30–80 nm and a zeta potential of −17.3 mV, and EDX verified the elemental presence of silver. FTIR spectra indicated that plant-derived biomolecules, particularly phenolics, contributed to the reduction and capping/stabilization of AgNPs. XRD analysis confirmed a crystalline face-centered cubic structure. The AgNPs exhibited moderate, spontaneous binding to DNA (Kb ≈ 1.07 × 104 M−1), characterized by pronounced hyperchromism without evidence of intercalation. Competitive fluorescence assays supported a predominantly non-intercalative, surface-associated interaction with minor groove perturbation, while agarose gel electrophoresis indicated preserved plasmid integrity and no extensive strand cleavage. Collectively, these results suggest reversible and structurally non-destructive AgNP–DNA complexation, indicating their potential for nucleic acid-related nano-biointerface studies, while further investigations are required to evaluate their suitability for biomedical applications. The biosynthesized AgNPs showed enhanced antibacterial activity against Gram-positive (Bacillus cereus) and Gram-negative (Pantoea agglomerans) bacteria compared with the leaf extract, whereas AgNO3 produced the strongest immediate effect, consistent with rapid Ag+ release. Antioxidant activity assessed by DPPH and ABTS assays showed strong radical-scavenging activity for the extract, in line with its high total phenolic content (206.2 mg GAE/g). Although AgNPs displayed lower phenolic content (164.2 mg GAE/g) and reduced antioxidant activity than the extract, they retained moderate scavenging capacity, indicating effective surface functionalization by phytochemicals. Overall, S. tomentosa leaf extract-capped AgNPs combine defined physicochemical features with non-destructive DNA association and antibacterial efficacy, underscoring their promise as phytochemical-functionalized nano-biointerfaces for antimicrobial and related biointerface applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Synthesis and Application of Metal/Metal-Oxide Nanomaterials)
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18 pages, 2971 KB  
Article
Facile Preparation of a Plasmon-Enhanced Ag-CuO/TiO2 for the Efficient Visible-Light-Driven Photodegradation of Tetracycline Hydrochloride
by Lianmin Cui, Li Ren, Zhi Chen, Benfeng Zhu, Chen Xu and Guoying Wei
Materials 2026, 19(11), 2189; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma19112189 - 22 May 2026
Viewed by 236
Abstract
Water pollution caused by antibiotics is a growing problem. Therefore, photodegradation by efficient catalysts is an environmentally friendly technology that can effectively degrade organic pollutants in water. In this work, a method was innovatively used to prepare a ternary heterostructure of plasmon-enhanced Ag-CuO/TiO [...] Read more.
Water pollution caused by antibiotics is a growing problem. Therefore, photodegradation by efficient catalysts is an environmentally friendly technology that can effectively degrade organic pollutants in water. In this work, a method was innovatively used to prepare a ternary heterostructure of plasmon-enhanced Ag-CuO/TiO2. The composite was synthesized through a facile stepwise strategy involving the formation of CuO nanorods, TiO2 coating, and subsequent deposition of Ag nanoparticles on their surface using AgNO3, enabling intimate interfacial contact among the different components. The prepared samples were characterized by XRD, HRTEM, XPS, and UV-Vis. The chemical composition of the composite Ag-CuO/TiO2 showed a Cu/Ti atomic ratio of 2.58, as well as a Ag/Cu ratio of 0.91. The UV-Vis spectrum reveals the largest absorption peak at 550 nm for the composite Ag-CuO/TiO2. The prepared Ag-CuO/TiO2 composites were applied to the visible-light degradation of tetracycline hydrochloride, with the photocatalytic degradation rate reaching 80.7% under the optimal conditions within 60 min, which is significantly better than CuO and CuO/TiO2 without silver nanoparticles. Capture experiments indicated that h+ are involved during the course of the photodegradation and that h+ are the main active substances. Furthermore, the proposed mechanism for the photodegradation of the Ag-CuO/TiO2 composites is given. It has potential applications in the treatment of organic pollutants in water. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Catalytic Materials)
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29 pages, 2043 KB  
Review
Bioengineered Silver Nanoparticles: Next-Generation Biogenic Synthesis Strategies for Precision Biomedical Applications
by Mythileeswari Lakshmikanthan, Sakthivel Muthu and Indra Neel Pulidindi
Bioengineering 2026, 13(5), 587; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering13050587 - 20 May 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 699
Abstract
Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have attracted substantial scientific interest in biomedical research owing to their unique physicochemical characteristics, broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, plasmonic properties, and therapeutic versatility. Although conventional physicochemical synthesis methods enable controlled NPs fabrication, their dependence on hazardous reagents, elevated energy input, and [...] Read more.
Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have attracted substantial scientific interest in biomedical research owing to their unique physicochemical characteristics, broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, plasmonic properties, and therapeutic versatility. Although conventional physicochemical synthesis methods enable controlled NPs fabrication, their dependence on hazardous reagents, elevated energy input, and environmentally detrimental processing conditions has stimulated the development of sustainable biogenic alternatives. Biological synthesis utilizing plants, microorganisms, fungi, algae, and purified biomolecules has emerged as an eco-friendly and bio-compatible strategy for AgNP fabrication, enabling simultaneous reduction, stabilization, and intrinsic biofunctionalization of NPs. However, traditional biogenic synthesis remains constrained by limited mechanistic understanding, poor batch reproducibility, inadequate control over physicochemical properties, and challenges in large-scale manufacturing. Recent advances in bioengineering have transformed this field through the integration of metabolic engineering, synthetic biology, microfluidic-assisted synthesis, artificial intelligence-guided process optimization, and continuous-flow biomanufacturing, collectively enabling precision fabrication of biogenic AgNPs with enhanced uniformity, scalability, and functional tunability. Furthermore, strategic surface engineering and functionalization have expanded the applicability of biogenic AgNPs across targeted anticancer therapy, antimicrobial intervention, wound healing, regenerative medicine, drug delivery, and theranostic imaging. Despite these advancements, critical challenges remain regarding nano–bio interactions, toxicological safety, regulatory compliance, and translational scalability. Unlike conventional reviews focused primarily on green synthesis approaches, this review critically highlights emerging bioengineering paradigms that enable programmable, scalable, and precision-controlled biogenic AgNP fabrication. This review comprehensively examines next-generation paradigms and strategies for AgNPs biosynthesis, elucidates the molecular mechanisms governing their formation, highlights emerging functionalization and biomedical application paradigms, and discusses current translational barriers. Forming biogenic composites of AgNPs and heteroatom doped carbon nanodots needs intense research in near future. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Nanobiotechnology and Biofabrication)
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22 pages, 2170 KB  
Article
Phytochemical Profiling and Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles from Quercus robur Acorn: Characterization and Biological Evaluation
by Mürüvvet Kurt, Serdar Güngör, Gülderen Uysal Akkuş, Atilla Evcin and Safiye Elif Korcan
Molecules 2026, 31(10), 1653; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules31101653 - 14 May 2026
Viewed by 549
Abstract
Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized via a green approach using aqueous extract of Quercus robur acorn as a reducing and stabilizing agent. The synthesis process was optimized at 1 mM Ag+ concentration, yielding stable nanoparticles with a characteristic surface plasmon resonance peak [...] Read more.
Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized via a green approach using aqueous extract of Quercus robur acorn as a reducing and stabilizing agent. The synthesis process was optimized at 1 mM Ag+ concentration, yielding stable nanoparticles with a characteristic surface plasmon resonance peak at 445 nm. Structural and morphological analyses confirmed the formation of predominantly spherical nanoparticles with particle sizes ranging between 40 and 68 nm and a face-centered cubic crystalline structure. Phytochemical analyses revealed significantly higher total phenolic and total flavonoid contents in the crude acorn extract compared to the synthesized nanoparticles, indicating the involvement of these compounds in the phytoreduction process. Although antioxidant activity decreased after nanoparticle formation, phyto-mediated AgNPs (PAgNPs) exhibited notable antibacterial activity, particularly against Staphylococcus aureus with a minimum inhibitory concentration of 26 µg/mL. Antibiotic combination assays demonstrated additive and synergistic interactions depending on the tested microorganism. Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis of acorn essential oil identified β-caryophyllene (43.1%) as the major component, suggesting the presence of bioactive terpenoids potentially contributing to nanoparticle stabilization. These findings demonstrate that Quercus robur acorn extract can serve as suitable phytogenic source for the controlled synthesis of silver nanoparticles with moderate antibacterial potential. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chemical Composition and Biological Evaluation of Essential Oils)
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15 pages, 1998 KB  
Article
Novel Carqueja-Mediated Instant Green Synthesis of AgNPs for an Innovative Mouthrinse
by Giselle Giovanna do Couto de Oliveira, Maurillo de Nez Souza, João Victor Ribeiro Bizarri, Ana Paula Peron, Kassiely Zamarchi, Cristiane Mengue Feniman Moritz and Otávio Akira Sakai
Processes 2026, 14(9), 1490; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr14091490 - 5 May 2026
Viewed by 404
Abstract
According to the National Cancer Institute, approximately 3.9 billion people worldwide suffer from non-communicable oral diseases, with head and neck cancer patients experiencing exacerbated oral mucositis primarily from radiotherapy. This condition manifests as painful, debilitating mucosal lesions, necessitating effective antimicrobial interventions. This study [...] Read more.
According to the National Cancer Institute, approximately 3.9 billion people worldwide suffer from non-communicable oral diseases, with head and neck cancer patients experiencing exacerbated oral mucositis primarily from radiotherapy. This condition manifests as painful, debilitating mucosal lesions, necessitating effective antimicrobial interventions. This study developed and characterized stable mouthwash formulations containing green-synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) derived from Baccharis trimera (carqueja) extract for the management of oral mucositis, evaluating their physicochemical stability, antimicrobial efficacy, and biosafety. AgNPs formation was confirmed by color change to brown and a surface plasmon resonance band at 407 nm (UV-Vis), with dynamic light scattering revealing a monomodal hydrodynamic diameter of ~25 nm and stable dispersion; scanning electron microscopy showed spherical particles of 25–35 nm. Four formulations (22–85 ppm AgNPs) in a commercial vehicle exhibited excellent stability over 60 days at 5 °C and 25 °C, maintaining near-neutral pH (~7), low surface tension (<5 mN/m), and unchanged spectral profiles, with no phase separation under centrifugation or thermal stress (up to 70 °C). Antimicrobial assays via broth microdilution demonstrated broad-spectrum activity for the 85 ppm formulation: MICs of 125 µg/mL (S. epidermidis, E. faecalis), 62.5 µg/mL (E. coli, P. aeruginosa), and 250 µg/mL (S. aureus), with MBC of 125 µg/mL (bactericidal) against P. aeruginosa; no activity against C. albicans (MIC > 500 µg/mL). Against human oral microbiota (n = 4 volunteers), it reduced bacterial growth by 14–156% relative to controls (e.g., −5% to 156% inhibition). Cytogenotoxicity tests (A. cepa) confirmed non-toxicity (mitotic index 79–93% of control, low cellular alteration index). These findings establish the carqueja-mediated instant green AgNPs mouthwash as a stable, potent antimicrobial agent, poised to mitigate mucositis-related infections and enhance the quality of life of cancer patients. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Manufacturing Processes of Composite Materials)
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22 pages, 963 KB  
Article
Bacterial Cellulose Membranes Functionalized with In Situ Green-Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles for Antibacterial Applications
by Gul Naz Ashraf, Marta Palau Gauthier, Qiutian She, Pilar Rivera-Gil and Javier Macia
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(9), 3943; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27093943 - 28 Apr 2026
Viewed by 552
Abstract
This study demonstrates how synthesis conditions and bacterial cellulose (BC) functionalization influence the physicochemical properties and antibacterial performance of BC membranes containing green-synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). Mint and avocado-seed extracts enabled AgNP formation in aqueous media but differed in composition. UV–Vis screening across [...] Read more.
This study demonstrates how synthesis conditions and bacterial cellulose (BC) functionalization influence the physicochemical properties and antibacterial performance of BC membranes containing green-synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). Mint and avocado-seed extracts enabled AgNP formation in aqueous media but differed in composition. UV–Vis screening across pH and temperature revealed inefficient synthesis at acidic pH, whereas higher temperatures produced broader localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) bands. Neutral conditions generated the most intense and narrow LSPR signals. Under optimized conditions (pH 7, 23 °C), AgNPs were confirmed by TEM, and their colloidal properties differed between extracts: mint-derived particles exhibited smaller hydrodynamic diameters and lower polydispersity than avocado-derived AgNPs. Two BC functionalization strategies were evaluated: immersion in pre-formed AgNP dispersions and in situ synthesis within the BC matrix. In situ membranes displayed stronger and better-defined LSPR peaks. Agitation released nanoparticles from all BC-AgNP membranes, with smaller species released from in situ systems. Antibacterial assays against E. coli showed greater bactericidal activity for in situ membranes. Avocado-derived in situ BC-AgNPs produced larger inhibition halos and prevented bacterial regrowth in liquid culture. Overall, in situ green synthesis within BC provides an effective route to robust and sustainable antibacterial BC membranes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Nanoscience)
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22 pages, 6300 KB  
Article
Mycoendophytic-Derived Green Resveratrol-Conjugated Silver Nanoparticles Inhibit the Proliferation of Human Epidermoid Carcinoma A-431 Cells
by Amal A. Al Mousa, Mohamed E. Abouelela, Ahmed A. El-Shenawy, M. A. Abo-Kadoum, Adel Eltoukhy, Youssef Abo-Dahab, Rasha M. Allam, Nageh F. Abo-Dahab, Abdallah M. A. Hassane and Mohamed S. Refaey
Pharmaceuticals 2026, 19(5), 656; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph19050656 - 22 Apr 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 535
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Endophytic fungi represent an alternative source for resveratrol (RES) production. The present study aims to utilize mycoendophytic-derived resveratrol as a reducing agent for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), in addition to further assay the cytotoxic activity of a RES-conjugated nanocarrier [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Endophytic fungi represent an alternative source for resveratrol (RES) production. The present study aims to utilize mycoendophytic-derived resveratrol as a reducing agent for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), in addition to further assay the cytotoxic activity of a RES-conjugated nanocarrier system toward human epidermoid carcinoma A-431 cells. Methods: Alternaria alternata AUMC 16209 was isolated from the stem of grapevine Vitis vinifera L. cultivar prime. Strain identification was achieved through morphological and molecular characterization using ITS sequencing. A. alternata AUMC 16209 exhibited RES production capability upon cultivation on PDB medium for seven days with a total of 8.25 mg/L as determined by HPLC. The crude RES was purified using flash chromatography followed by structure elucidation through 1H and 13C NMR analyses. The purified RES was used for green synthesis of nanoparticles, acting as a reducing agent for silver ions. Results: Stable RES-AgNPs were fabricated at particle sizes ranging from 25 to 47 nm. RES-AgNPs observed a plasmon resonance absorption band at 415 nm with a negative zeta potential value of −38.5 mV. The crystalline structure of RES-AgNPs was addressed through X-ray diffraction analysis. FT-IR spectroscopy confirms the involvement of the functional –OH group and the aromatic C=C bond in the reduction and stabilization process. RES-AgNPs was more efficient to inhibit the cellular proliferation of human epidermoid carcinoma A-431 cells compared to RES alone. Conclusions: This report introduces for the first time an endophytic A. alternata as a sustainable source for RES production and emphasizes its potential for green synthesis of stable AgNPs with promising cytotoxic activity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Natural Products)
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18 pages, 3238 KB  
Article
Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Ligusticum mutellina (L.) Crantz
by Valentina Pavić, Lidija Kalinić, Zvonimir Užarević, Elvira Kovač-Andrić, Ivan Ćorić, Martina Jakovljević Kovač, Elma Džemaili, Lovro Mihajlović and Vlatka Gvozdić
Molecules 2026, 31(8), 1279; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules31081279 - 14 Apr 2026
Viewed by 916
Abstract
Green synthesis is an eco-friendly, simple, and cost-effective process for the synthesis of metal nanoparticles from plant extracts that are rich in bioactive compounds. In the current study, the antioxidant potential and total soluble polyphenol content (TPC) of different parts of Ligusticum mutellina [...] Read more.
Green synthesis is an eco-friendly, simple, and cost-effective process for the synthesis of metal nanoparticles from plant extracts that are rich in bioactive compounds. In the current study, the antioxidant potential and total soluble polyphenol content (TPC) of different parts of Ligusticum mutellina (L.) Crantz were evaluated using DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) and FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant power) assays, and the results indicated that the seed extract was the most active plant part. HPLC analysis indicated the presence of phenolic compounds such as gallic acid, protocatechuic acid, and catechin, which may contribute to the reduction and stabilization of AgNPs. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized from the aqueous seed extract of L. mutellina. The formation of nanoparticles was confirmed by UV–Vis spectroscopy, FT-IR analysis, powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The UV–Vis spectrum indicated a surface plasmon resonance peak at around 411 nm, and PXRD analysis indicated an average crystallite size of around 13 nm. TEM analysis revealed predominantly spherical nanoparticles with an average size of 25.36 ± 10.76 nm. The synthesized AgNPs exhibited strong antibacterial activity against Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) bacteria. Overall, the results demonstrate that L. mutellina seed extract represents an effective natural source of reducing and stabilizing agents for green nanoparticle synthesis and highlight the potential of the obtained AgNPs as environmentally friendly antimicrobial materials. Full article
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20 pages, 5679 KB  
Article
Study on the Cytotoxicity of Silver Nanoparticles in the Ligninolytic Fungus Phanerochaete chrysosporium
by Mihaela Racuciu, Lacramioara Oprica, Catalina Radu, Larisa Popescu-Lipan, Gabriel Ababei, Daniela Pricop, Laura Ursu, Daniel Timpu, Silvestru-Bogdanel Munteanu, Nicoleta Lupu and Dorina Creanga
Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(6), 3085; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16063085 - 23 Mar 2026
Viewed by 527
Abstract
Silver nanoparticles (AgNP), which have a wide range of applications in technical and biological fields, are produced in hundreds of tons annually and are eventually released into water, air, and soil. In this study, the effects of AgNPs on Phanerochaete chrysosporium, a [...] Read more.
Silver nanoparticles (AgNP), which have a wide range of applications in technical and biological fields, are produced in hundreds of tons annually and are eventually released into water, air, and soil. In this study, the effects of AgNPs on Phanerochaete chrysosporium, a white-rot fungus that plays a key role in wood waste degradation, were investigated. The AgNP were synthesized at high temperature with gallic acid under different pH conditions: near-neutral pH (~7.5), notation AgNP@GA-1, and alkaline pH (~10.5), notation AgNP@GA-2, focusing on their ability to cope with oxidative stress. The samples were characterized by fine granularity (particle diameter of 12 and 11 nm, respectively), specific plasmonic features (characteristic band at 425 and 408 nm), hydrodynamic diameter of 93 and 133 nm, respectively, and Zeta potential of −34 to −44 mV, which gave them stability over a period of three months. The fungal cultures exposed to AgNP concentrations of 40–100 µL/mL (approximately 4–11 µg/mL) presented superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, which increased by approximately 45% at 40 µL/mL for AgNP@GA-1 after 7 days, whereas AgNP@GA-2 decreased SOD activity by up to 40% at 60 µL/mL. Both AgNP types strongly stimulated catalase (CAT) biosynthesis, with two- to three-fold increased activity on the 7th day at 100 µL/mL. CAT activity remained significantly elevated for AgNP@GA-1 on the 14th day at 60–80 µL/mL, whereas for AgNP@GA-2 it decreased by 40–60% compared with the control. Variations in malondialdehyde content indicated moderate lipid peroxidation, suggesting relatively low cytotoxic effects on fungal cells. Overall, the results demonstrate that P. chrysosporium exhibits adaptive biochemical responses to AgNP-induced oxidative stress while maintaining metabolic functionality, highlighting the potential compatibility of AgNPs with white-rot fungi involved in environmental wood waste biodegradation processes. Full article
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25 pages, 5578 KB  
Article
Microwave-Assisted Biosynthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Chlorella sp. for Antibacterial and Cytotoxicity Effects of Breast Cancer Cell Line
by Piyapan Manklinniam, Weerawat Pornroongruengchok, Saranya Phunpruch, Adisorn Phaepilin, Grissana Pook-In, Atchariya Yosboonruang, Sarinrat Wonglee, Piyanud Thongjerm and Worakrit Worananthakij
Nanomaterials 2026, 16(5), 334; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano16050334 - 6 Mar 2026
Viewed by 985
Abstract
Microwave-assisted biosynthesis using marine Chlorella sp. extracts provides a green and efficient route for the production of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). Compared with the conventional method (24 h), microwave-assisted synthesis reduces the reaction time to less than 7 min while producing smaller and more [...] Read more.
Microwave-assisted biosynthesis using marine Chlorella sp. extracts provides a green and efficient route for the production of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). Compared with the conventional method (24 h), microwave-assisted synthesis reduces the reaction time to less than 7 min while producing smaller and more uniformly distributed nanoparticles. AgNPs were synthesized using extracts obtained with different solvents and directly compared with those produced via the conventional method to substantiate the efficiency of the microwave-assisted approach. UV–visible spectroscopy confirmed rapid nanoparticle formation, exhibiting surface plasmon resonance peaks in the range of 405 to 427 nm. TEM analysis revealed predominantly spherical AgNPs with particle sizes of approximately 10 to 20 nm. The XRD and FTIR analyses confirmed their crystalline structure and stabilization by algal-derived functional groups. The biological activities of the AgNPs were dependent on the extraction solvent. AgNPs synthesized using hexane extracts exhibited pronounced antibacterial activity, achieving minimum inhibitory concentrations as low as 0.31 µg/mL. In addition, the AgNP induced concentration-dependent cytotoxic effects in human breast cancer cell lines. IC50 values, determined via dose–response analysis, ranged from 0.18 to 0.67 μg/mL in MDA-MB-231 cells and 1.70 to 8.42 μg/mL in MCF-7 cells. These results indicate a potent cytotoxic profile, with MDA-MB-231 cells exhibiting significantly higher sensitivity to the microwave-assisted formulations. Collectively, these findings highlight microwave-assisted algal-mediated biosynthesis as a sustainable and effective platform for generating bioactive AgNPs with promising antibacterial and anticancer potential. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Biology and Medicines)
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48 pages, 14465 KB  
Review
Porphyrin-Conjugated Hybrid Nanomaterials for Photocatalytic Wastewater Remediation
by Nirmal Kumar Shee and Hee-Joon Kim
Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(3), 1557; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16031557 - 4 Feb 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 778
Abstract
Advanced oxidation processes using porphyrin-based heterogeneous catalysts hold promise for removing hazardous pollutants from wastewater. Their high visible-light absorption coefficients enable absorption of light from the solar spectrum. Moreover, their conjugated aromatic skeletons and intrinsic electronic properties facilitate the delocalization of photogenerated electrons [...] Read more.
Advanced oxidation processes using porphyrin-based heterogeneous catalysts hold promise for removing hazardous pollutants from wastewater. Their high visible-light absorption coefficients enable absorption of light from the solar spectrum. Moreover, their conjugated aromatic skeletons and intrinsic electronic properties facilitate the delocalization of photogenerated electrons during photodegradation. Delaying the recombination of photogenerated electron–hole pairs by introducing specific materials increases efficiency, as separated charges have more time to participate in redox reactions, boosting photocatalytic activities. However, applying these photocatalysts for wastewater treatment is challenging owing to facile agglomeration, deactivation, and recovery of the photocatalyst for reuse, which can significantly increase the overall cost. Therefore, new photocatalytic systems comprising porphyrin molecules must be developed. For this purpose, porphyrins can be conjugated to nanomaterials to create hybrid materials with photocatalytic efficiencies superior to those of free-standing starting porphyrins. Various transition metal oxides (TiO2, ZnO, and Fe3O4) nanoparticles, main-group-element oxides (Al2O3 and SiO2) nanoparticles, metal plasmons (silver nanoparticles), carbon-based platforms (graphene, graphene oxide, and g-C3N4), and polymer matrices have been used as nanostructured solid supports for the successful fabrication of porphyrin-conjugated hybrid materials. The conjugation of porphyrin molecules to solid supports improves the photocatalytic degradation activity in terms of visible-light conversion ability, recyclability, active porous sites, substrate mobility, separation of photogenerated charge species, recovery for reuse, and chemical stability, along with preventing the generation of secondary pollution. This review discusses the ongoing development of porphyrin-conjugated hybrid nanomaterials for the heterogeneous photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes, pharmaceutical pollutants, heavy metals, pesticides, and human care in water. Several important results and advancements in the field allow for a more efficient wastewater remediation process. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applications of Nanoparticles in the Environmental Sciences)
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