Murugan Veerapandian

Functionalization of biomolecules on nanoparticles: specialized for antibacterial applications

Biological efficiency of existing antimicrobial agents is still inadequate to ensure optimal therapeutic index. Developing biocompatible advanced functional materials with antimicrobial properties could be promising for environmentally benign applications. Nanoparticles and other nanoscale materials are of great interest due to their multiple potential applications in material science, medicine, and industry. Nanomaterials possess well renowned antimicrobial activity against several microorganisms; however, it has some non-specific toxicity. Biofunctionalization of nanomaterials is one such topic to address this issue. Rational selection of therapeutically active biomolecules for design of nanoparticles will certainly increase the biological applicability. The present paper describes the current status of different types of biofunctionalized nanoparticles and their antibacterial applications. Key principles such as strategies involved at bio-/nanointerface, the structural activity relationship, and mechanism of action involved in the antibacterial activity of functionalized nanoparticles are briefly discussed. This knowledge is important from the objective of generation of advanced functional nanomaterials with antimicrobial properties.

Graphene oxide functionalized with silver@silica-polyethylene glycol hybrid nanoparticles for direct electrochemical detection of quercetin.

A direct electrochemical detection of quercetin based on functionalized graphene oxide modified on gold-printed circuit board chip was demonstrated in this study. Functionalized graphene oxide materials are prepared by the covalent reaction of graphene oxide with silver@silica-polyethylene glycol nanoparticles (~12.35nm). Functionalized graphene oxide electrode shows a well-defined voltammetric response in phosphate buffered saline and catalyzes the oxidation of quercetin to quinone without the need of an enzyme. Significantly, the functionalized graphene oxide modified electrode exhibited a higher sensitivity than pristine gold-printed circuit board and graphene oxide electrodes, a wide concentration range of 7.5 to 1040nM and detection limit of 3.57nM. Developed biosensor platform is selective toward quercetin in the presence of an interferent molecule.

Surface activation of graphene oxide nanosheets by ultraviolet irradiation for highly efficient anti-bacterials

A comprehensive investigation of anti-bacterial properties of graphene oxide (GO) and ultraviolet (UV) irradiated GO nanosheets was carried out. Microscopic characterization revealed that the GO nanosheet-like structures had wavy features and wrinkles or thin grooves. Fundamental surface chemical states of GO nanosheets (before and after UV irradiation) were investigated using x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) results revealed that UV irradiated GO nanosheets have more pronounced anti-bacterial behavior than GO nanosheets and standard antibiotic, kanamycin. The MIC of UV irradiated GO nanosheets was 0.125 μg ml⁻¹ for Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhimurium, 0.25 μg ml⁻¹ for Bacillus subtilis and 0.5 μg ml⁻¹ for Enterococcus faecalis, ensuring its potential as an anti-infective agent for controlling the growth of pathogenic bacteria. The minimum bactericidal concentration of normal GO nanosheets was determined to be two-fold higher than its corresponding MIC value, indicating promising bactericidal activity. The mechanism of anti-bacterial action was evaluated by measuring the enzymatic activity of β-D-galactosidase for the hydrolysis of o-nitrophenol-β-D-galactopyranoside.

Nanostructured molybdenum oxide-based antibacterial paint: effective growth inhibition of various pathogenic bacteria

The prevention of bacterial infections in the health care environment is paramount to providing better treatment. Covering a susceptible environment with an antimicrobial coating is a successful way to avoid bacterial growth. Research on the preparation of durable antimicrobial coatings is promising for both fundamental surface care and clinical care applications. Herein, we report a facile, efficient, and scalable preparation of MoO3 paint using a cost-effective ball-milling approach. The MoO3 nanoplates (synthesized by thermal decomposition of ammonium heptamolybdate) are used as a pigment and antibacterial activity moiety in alkyd resin binders and other suitable eco-friendly additives in the preparation of paint. Surface morphology, chemical states, bonding nature, and intermolecular interaction between the MoO3 and the alkyd resin were studied using Raman and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopic analysis. The antibacterial properties of a prepared MoO3 nanoplate against various bacterial strains (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Klebsiella pneumoniae) was determined using the microdilution method. Bacterial strains exposed to an MoO3 paint coated surface exhibit a significant loss of viability in a time-dependent manner. Fundamental modes of antibacterial activities ascribed from a biocompatible and durable MoO3 nanostructure incorporated into an alkyd resin complex are discussed. The obtained experimental findings suggest the potential utility of prepared MoO3-based paint coating for the prevention of health care associated infections.

Functionalized graphene oxide for clinical glucose biosensing in urine and serum samples

A novel clinical glucose biosensor fabricated using functionalized metalloid-polymer (silver-silica coated with polyethylene glycol) hybrid nanoparticles on the surface of a graphene oxide nanosheet is reported. The cyclic voltammetric response of glucose oxidase modification on the surface of a functionalized graphene oxide electrode showed a surface-confined reaction and an effective redox potential near zero volts, with a wide linearity of 0.1–20 mM and a sensitivity of 7.66 μA mM−1 cm−2. The functionalized graphene oxide electrode showed a better electrocatalytic response toward oxidation of H2O2 and reduction of oxygen. The practical applicability of the functionalized graphene oxide electrode was demonstrated by measuring the peak current against multiple urine and serum samples from diabetic patients. This new hybrid nanoarchitecture combining a three-dimensional metalloid-polymer hybrid and two-dimensional graphene oxide provided a thin solid laminate on the electrode surface. The easy fabrication process and retention of bioactive immobilized enzymes on the functionalized graphene oxide electrode could potentially be extended to detection of other biomolecules, and have broad applications in electrochemical biosensing.

Copper-glucosamine microcubes: synthesis, characterization, and C-reactive protein detection.

Cubelike microstructures of glucosamine-functionalized copper (GlcN-CuMCs) have been fabricated by the integration of injection pump and ultrasonochemistry. Although bulk microstructures and the nanostructure of metallic copper exhibit distinct applications, the amino sugar surface-functionalized copper is almost biocompatible and exhibits advanced features such as more crystallinity, high thermal stability, and electrochemical feasibility toward biomolecule (C-reactive protein, CRP) detection. An electrochemical test of this GlcN-CuMCs was demonstrated by immobilization on a conventional gold-PCB (Au-PCB) electrode. The combination of a biointerface membrane, from glucosamine functionalization, and electroactive sites of metallic copper provides a very efficient electrochemical response against various concentration of CRP. A perfect scaling of steady-state currents with r(2) values of 0.9862 (I(pa)) and 0.9972 (I(pc)) indicate the promise of this kind of biofunctionalized microstructure electrode for many surface and interface applications.

Biogenic synthesis of multidimensional gold nanoparticles assisted by Streptomyces hygroscopicus and its electrochemical and antibacterial properties

The fabrication of reliable, green chemistry processes for nanomaterial synthesis is an important aspect of nanotechnology. The biosynthesis of single-pot room-temperature reduction of aqueous chloroaurate ions by Streptomyces hygroscopicus cells has been reported to facilitate the development of an industrially viable greener methodology for the synthesis of technologically important gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). Multidimensional AuNPs are generated via the manipulation of key growth parameters, including solution pH and reaction time. The synthesized nanostructures are characterized by UV/Vis and energy dispersive X-ray analysis studies. Particle morphology is characterized by HRTEM, FE-SEM and BioAFM. Additionally, we have demonstrated the electrochemical and antibacterial properties of AuNPs via cyclic voltammetry analysis and a minimal inhibitory concentration assay. Owing to the drawbacks of chemical synthesis, a biological synthesis method has been developed to generate biocompatible, inexpensive and eco-friendly size-controlled nanoparticles.

New function of molybdenum trioxide nanoplates: Toxicity towards pathogenic bacteria through membrane stress

Inorganic nanostructures are highly recognized for their potential use in the development of new functional materials for biomedical applications. In this study, we investigated the antibacterial efficiency of molybdenum trioxide (MoO3) nanoplates against four types of pathogenic bacteria. MoO3 nanoplates are synthesized by a simple wet chemical approach. X-ray diffraction and FT-IR analysis showed the presence of an orthorhombic phase of MoO3 nanoplates. Field emission scanning electron microscope studies confirmed the formation of plate-like structures of MoO3. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of MoO3 nanoplates against pathogenic bacteria was evaluated using a microdilution method. MICs such as 8μg/mL (against Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhimurium), 16μg/mL (against Enterococcus faecalis), and 8μg/mL (against Bacillus subtilis) show that MoO3 nanoplates have predominant antibacterial activity compared to the standard antibiotic, kanamycin. Evaluation of bacterial enzymatic (β-d-galactosidase) activity in the hydrolysis of o-nitrophenol and β-d-galactopyranoside suggested the disruption of the bacterial cell wall mechanism responsible for bacterial toxicity.

Ultrasonochemically Conjugated Metalloid/Triblock Copolymer Nanocomposite and Subsequent Thin Solid Laminate Growth for Surface and Interface Studies

Polymer and metalloid nanoparticles can be conjugated in a symphonized manner using ultrasonochemical force to obtain hybrid nanocomposites. The process is demonstrated using polymer poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), metalloid SiO(2)@Ag, and triblock copolymer ABA. The acoustic microstreaming and cavitation force from the ultrasonics are crucial parameters that determine the harmonized PEG stabilization and ABA blending of the metalloid nanocomposites that are obtained. Surface plasmon resonance in the resulting hybrid systems are examined by UV-vis absorbance spectroscopy. The resulting PEG-stabilized SiO(2)-Ag conjugated with a triblock copolymer poly(p-dioxanone-co-caprolactone)-block-poly(ethylene oxide)-block-poly(p-dioxanone-co-caprolactone) (PPDO-co-PCL-b-PEG-b-PPDO-co-PCL/ABA) (PEG-SiO(2)@Ag/ABA) shows a red shift of 20 nm (410 nm) from its initial resonance at 390 nm (PEG-SiO(2)@Ag). Nanocomposite particles were then spin-coated on a glass substrate to obtain the growth of thin solid laminates (thickness 27 microm). Structural functionality was studied by FT-IR, (1)H NMR, and FT-Raman spectroscopy. Morphological properties were ensured from FE-SEM, HRTEM, AFM, and FIB-SEM. Identity and crystallinity of the prepared nanocomposite were confirmed by XRD analysis. A very low weight percentile loss of the fabricated nanocomposites ensures its high thermal stability. Fabricated nanocomposite laminate might have a role in coating, reinforcement, and resistance and as substrate additives for a variety of surface and interface studies. Further, the ultrasonochemical approach utilized here could also be a smart system to fabricate other heteronanostructures in a single platform.

Synthesis of Silver Nanoclusters and Functionalization with Glucosamine for Glyconanoparticles

Functionalized nanoparticles are promising candidates for the construction of new nanomaterials. In this paper, glucosamine was covalently functionalized on the surface of silver nanoparticles to fabricate glyconanoparticles. Silver nanoclusters obtained by liquid-solid-solution (LSS) strategy under hydrothermal condition were first functionalized by carboxyl-terminated alkanethiol and the terminal carboxyl group was subsequently bonded with side-chain amino group of glucosamine surface through EDC/NHS coupling reaction. UV-vis spectrometer and EDXA measurements ensure the formation of silver nanoparticles. The surface functionalization of glucosamine on silver nanoparticles was confirmed from the carbonyl group of secondary amide linkage obtained by the conjugation of NHS terminated silver nanoparticles and amino group of glucosamine. This is evinced from the FT-IR characteristic stretching at 1637cm− 1 and 1H-NMR chemical shift from 8.4 to 7.6 ppm, respectively. Morphological images (FE-SEM and AFM) reveal the size and shape of the silver nano-assembly and silver-glucosamine nanoparticles. The fabricated glyconanoparticles with 15 ± 5 nm size can be easily suspended in water, stable over a broader range of pH and would be useful for variety of glyconanotechnology.