Swapnil Gaikwad

Antiviral activity of mycosynthesized silver nanoparticles against herpes simplex virus and human parainfluenza virus type 3

The interaction between silver nanoparticles and viruses is attracting great interest due to the potential antiviral activity of these particles, and is the subject of much research effort in the treatment of infectious diseases. In this work, we demonstrate that silver nanoparticles undergo a size-dependent interaction with herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 and with human parainfluenza virus type 3. We show that production of silver nanoparticles from different fungi is feasible, and their antiviral activity is dependent on the production system used. Silver nanoparticles are capable of reducing viral infectivity, probably by blocking interaction of the virus with the cell, which might depend on the size and zeta potential of the silver nanoparticles. Smaller-sized nanoparticles were able to inhibit the infectivity of the viruses analyzed.

Rapid Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles from Fusarium oxysporum by Optimizing Physicocultural Conditions

Synthesis of silver nanoparticles (SNPs) by fungi is emerging as an important branch of nanotechnology due to its ecofriendly, safe, and cost-effective nature. In order to increase the yield of biosynthesized SNPs of desired shape and size, it is necessary to control the cultural and physical parameters during the synthesis. We report optimum synthesis of SNPs on malt extract glucose yeast extract peptone (MGYP) medium at pH 9–11, 40–60°C, and 190.7 Lux and in sun light. The salt concentrations, volume of filtrate and biomass quantity were found to be directly proportional to the yield. The optimized conditions for the stable and rapid synthesis will help in large scale synthesis of monodispersed SNPs. The main aim of the present study was to optimize different media, temperature, pH, light intensity, salt concentration, volume of filtrate, and biomass quantity for the synthesis of SNPs by Fusarium oxysporum.

Biofabrication of Silver Nanoparticles by Opuntia ficus-indica: In vitro Antibacterial Activity and Study of the Mechanism Involved in the Synthesis

We report Opuntia ficus-indica mediated synthesis of colloidal silver nanoparticles. Detection and characterization of nanopar- ticles were carried out by UV-Vis- and Fourier Transform Infra Red Spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy and X-ray Diffraction analysis respectively. The aim of the present study was synthesis of silver nanoparticles, assessment of their antibacterial activity, and study of possible mechanism involved. The silver nanoparticles in combination with commercially available antibiotics showed a re- markable antibacterial activity. Some of the commercially available antibiotics in combination with silver nanoparticles showed remark- able activity. However, the maximum activity was demonstrated by Ampicillin followed by Streptomycin and Vancomycin. On the basis of the information obtained in this work, two-step mechanism has been proposed as bioreduction and formation of an intermediate com- plex leading to formation of capped nanoparticles.

A New Report on Mycosynthesis of Silver Nanoparticles by Fusarium culmorum

Plant pathogenic fungus Fusarium culmorum (MTCC-2090) assists in the mycosynthesis of silver nanoparticles. Formation of spherical silver nanoparticles was confirmed from TEM analysis and found in the range of 5-25 nm with an average diameter of 11 nm. Different temperature and pH affects the synthesis of silver nanoparticles indicating that synthesis depends significantly on temperature and pH. Formation of silver nanoparticles at room temperature and pH-7 was found to be optimum for synthesis process. The combined effects of mycosynthesized silver nanoparticles with different antibiotics like kanamycin, erythromycin, oxacillin, tetracycline, vancomy- cin and gentamycin against Klebsiella pneumoniae (MTCC-7407) and Enterobacter aerogenes (MTCC-6804) were carried out. Oxacillin showed the maximum increase in fold area as compared to other antibiotics tested against both the test organisms. Fungal proteins are re- sponsible for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles. This process is easy, eco-friendly and scalable for the large scale synthesis of silver nanoparticles. The synthesis of silver nanoparticles by F. culmorum has not been reported in the past, and thus, it is being reported for the first time.

Potential applications of curcumin and curcumin nanoparticles: from traditional therapeutics to modern nanomedicine

Abstract Curcumin (diferuloylmethane) is one of the potent, nontoxic, and major bioactive components present in turmeric. The major drawbacks of curcumin are low absorption and poor bioavailability. The present review highlights on the methods for the fabrication of curcumin nanoparticles and their applications in treatment of cancer and wound infections. Curcumin nanoparticles possess remarkable antibacterial, antiviral, and antiprotozoan activity. Hence, curcumin nanoparticle-loaded nano-gel, microemulsion, and nano-cream can be used for drug delivery.

Strategic role of nanotechnology for production of bioethanol and biodiesel

Abstract In spite of the limited sources of fossil fuels, energy demand has been considerably increased since the last century. The problems associated with global warming due to rising atmospheric greenhouse gas levels and scarcity of fossil fuels make it imperative to reduce our heavy dependency on fossil fuels. These reasons forced countries throughout the world to search for new fuel alternatives. Biofuel have gathered considerable attention due to their inherent benefits, like lower greenhouse gas emission, renewability, and sustainability. Commercially, biofuels are produced from vegetable oils, animal fats, and carbohydrates by using transesterification and fermentation. However, biofuel production suffers from high production costs and other technical barriers. Considering the environmental and economic issues, use of nanotechnology seems to be a viable solution. Nanoparticles have a number of interesting properties for the production of second-generation ethanol or transesterification of oils and fats to yield biodiesel. It is advantageous for recovery and reuse of catalysts. The present review discusses the role of nanotechnology in the production of bioethanol and biodiesel. Moreover, applications of nanoparticles for the production of biodiesel and second-generation ethanol with special reference to enzyme immobilization and chemical nano-catalysis have been described.

Myxobacteria-mediated synthesis of silver nanoparticles and their impregnation in wrapping paper used for enhancing shelf life of apples

The authors report Myxobacteria virescens (M. virescens) mediated synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and its efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC-33591), Salmonella typhi (ATCC-51812), Escherichia coli (E. coli) (ATCC-14948), Klebsiella pneumoniae (MTCC-4030) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MTCC-4673). The organism exhibiting resistance to various antibiotics showed remarkable sensitivity, when used in combination of antibiotics and AgNPs. Antimicrobial property of AgNPs is playing a significant role in medicine and food storage. In this study, they have used M. virescens for the synthesis of AgNPs, which were characterised by using UV-Vis spectrophotometer, nano-particles tracking and analysis, zeta potential, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. Synthesised AgNPs were impregnated into paper by three different methods, i.e. glass rod method (without binder), glass rod method (with binder) and direct synthesis of AgNPs on paper. Nanoparticles synthesis on paper showed the significant antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC-33591), Salmonella typhi (ATCC-51812), E. coli (ATCC-14948), Klebsiella pneumoniae (MTCC-4030) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MTCC-4673). Paper impregnated with AgNPs was used for wrapping of fruits (apples) which increases their shelf life up to 15 days. This study demonstrates a new method for wrapping of fruits, which increases the shelf life of apples.

Biogenic fabrication of copper nanoparticles, copper bioconjugates and In vitro assessment of antimicrobial and antioxidant activity

In the present study, the authors synthesised copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) by using extract of Zingiber officinale (ginger) and later the NPs were bioconjugated with nisin, which shows antimicrobial activity against food spoilage microorganisms. CuNPs and its bioconjugate were characterised by ultraviolet-vis spectroscopy, NP tracking analysis, Zetasizer, transmission electron microscopy analysis, X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infra-red (FTIR) spectroscopy. Zeta potential of CuNPs and its bioconjugate were found to be very stable. They evaluated in vitro efficacy of CuNPs and its bioconjugate against selected food spoilage bacteria: namely, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Listeria monocytogenes and fungi including Fusarium moniliforme and Aspergillus niger. Antimicrobial activity of CuNPs was found to be maximum against F. moniliforme (18u2005mm) and the least activity was noted against L. monocytogenes (13u2005mm). Antioxidant activity of CuNPs and ginger extract was performed by various methods such as total antioxidant capacity reducing power assay, 1-1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl free radical scavenging assay and hydrogen peroxide assay. Antioxidant activity of CuNPs was higher as compared with ginger extract. Hence, CuNPs and its bioconjugate can be used against food spoilage microorganisms.