• Macromolecular Research
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• v.17 no.9
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• pp.688-696
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• 2009

In this study, a new class of polyurethane (PU) nanofibers containing silver (Ag) nanoparticles (NPs) was synthesized by electrospinning. A simple method that did not depending on additional foreign chemicals was used to self synthesize the silver NPs in/on PU nanofibers. The synthesis of silver NPs was carried out by exploiting the reduction ability of N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF), which is used mainly to decompose silver nitrate to silver NPs. Typically, a sol-gel consisting of $AgNO_3$/PU was electrospun and aged for one week. Silver NPs were created in/on PU nanofibers. SEM confirmed the well oriented nanofibers and good dispersion of pure silver NPs. TEM indicated that the Ag NPs were 5 to 20 nm in diameter. XRD demonstrated the good crystalline features of silver metal. The mechanical properties of the nanofiber mats showed improvement with increasing silver NPs content. The fixedness of the silver NPs obtained on PU nanofibers was examined by harsh successive washing of the as-prepared mats using a large amount of water. The results confirmed the good stability of the synthesized nanofiber mats. Two model organisms, E. coli and S. typhimurium, were used to check the antimicrobial influence of these nanofiber mats. Subsequently, antimicrobial tests indicated that the prepared nanofibers have a high bactericidal effect. Accordingly, these results highlight the potential use of these nanofiber mats as antimicrobial agents.

• Advances in nano research
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• v.3 no.2
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• pp.97-109
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• 2015

Citrate ion is a commonly used reductant in metal colloid synthesis, undergoes strong surface interaction with silver nanocrystallites. The slow crystal growth observed as a result of the interaction between the silver surface and the citrate ion makes this reduction process unique compared to other chemical and radiolytic synthetic methods. The antimicrobial effects of silver (Ag) ion or salts are well known, but the effects of citrate coated Ag nanoparticles (CAgNPs) are scant. Herein, we have isolated biofilm causative bacteria and fungi from drinking water PVC pipe lines. Stable CAgNPs were prepared and the formation of CAgNPs was confirmed by UV-visible spectroscopic analysis and recorded the localized surface plasmon resonance of CAgNPs at 430 nm. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic analysis revealed C=O and O-H bending vibrations due to organic capping of silver responsible for the reduction and stabilization of the CAgNPs. X-ray diffraction micrograph indicated the face centered cubic structure of the formed CAgNPs, and morphological studies including size (average size 50 nm) were carried out using transmission electron microscopy. The hydrodynamic diameter (60.7 nm) and zeta potential (-27.6 mV) were measured using the dynamic light scattering technique. The antimicrobial activity of CAgNPs was evaluated (in vitro) against the isolated fungi, Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria using disc diffusion method and results revealed that CAgNPs with 170ppm concentration are having significant antimicrobial effects against an array of microbes tested.

• Journal of Plant Biotechnology
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• v.50
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• pp.183-189
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• 2023

This study investigated the impact of two distinct MS basal media: one containing FeNaEDTA and the other FeEDDHA, on the growth of five unique gerbera cultivars (Shy Pink, Pink Holic, Breeze, Harmony, Snow Dream). Notably, the response to these media types varied significantly among the cultivars, particularly concerning leaf yellowing and plant growth. 'Shiny Pink' and 'Pink Holic' exhibited leaf yellowing on the FeNaEDTA-containing medium but displayed leaf greening on the FeEDDHA-containing medium. In contrast, 'Snow Dream,' 'Harmony,' and 'Breeze' remained unaffected on both medium types. However, the FeNaEDTA-containing medium promoted higher plant height and petiole length in 'Breeze,' 'Harmony,' and 'Snow Dream' than the FeNaEDTA-containing medium did. A promotive effect of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on plant growth and leaf greening was observed in 'Pink Holic,' particularly on the FeNaEDTA-containing medium, while the addition of AgNPs to the FeEDDHA-containing medium negatively affected plant growth. These results highlight the substantial influence of medium type, specifically the presence of FeNaEDTA or FeEDDHA, on gerbera growth responses, emphasizing the critical role of medium selection in gerbera propagation. Additionally, when contemplating the addition of AgNPs for in vitro gerbera propagation, it is crucial to consider the medium type.

• Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society
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• v.35 no.10
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• pp.2969-2973
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• 2014

A new process to fabricate a composite LSCF-Ag cathode material for SOFCs by electron beam (e-beam) irradiation process has been suggested for operation under intermediate temperature range of $600-700^{\circ}C$. A composite LSCF-Ag cathode with uniformly coated Ag nanoparticles on the surface of the LSCF material was prepared by a facile e-beam irradiation method at room temperature. The morphology of the composite LSCF-Ag material was analyzed using a TEM, FE-SEM, and EDS. The prepared composite LSCF-Ag material can play a significant role in increasing the electro-catalytic activities and reducing the operating temperature of SOFCs. The performance of a tubular single cell prepared using the composite LSCF-Ag cathode, YSZ electrolyte and a Ni/YSZ anode was evaluated at reduced operating temperature of $600-700^{\circ}C$. The micro-structure and chemical composition of the single cell were investigated using a FE-SEM and EDS.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.46 no.2
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• pp.120-126
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• 2018

As a basic study for environment-friendly production of bacterial cellulose (BC) dressing with antimicrobial activity, we isolated and identified acetic acid bacteria which are resistant to silver ions and can biosynthesize silver nanoparticles. Furthermore, conditions of BC production by selected strain were also investigated. Strain G7 isolated from decayed grape skin was able to grow in the presence of 0.1 mM $AgNO_3$ which was identified as Acetobacter intermedius based on 16S rRNA gene analysis. BC production was the highest in a medium containing 2% glucose as a carbon source, 2% yeast extract as a nitrogen source, and 0.115% acetic acid as a cosubstrate. Structural properties of BC produced in optimal medium were studied using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffractometer, and it was found that BC produced was cellulose type I that was the same as a typical native cellulose. When strain G7 was cultured in an optimal medium containing 0.1 mM $AgNO_3$, the color of the culture broth turned into reddish brown, indicating that silver nanoparticles were formed. As a result of UV-Vis spectral analysis of the culture, it was found that a unique absorption spectrum of silver nanoparticles at 425 nm was also observed. Scanning electron microscopic observations showed that silver nanoparticles were formed on the surface and pores of BC membrane.

• Journal of Powder Materials
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.60-66
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• 2012

In this study, Platinum(Pt) nanoparticles were synthesized by using polyol process which is one of the liquid phase reduction methods. Dihydrogen hexachloroplatinate (IV) hexahydrate $(H_2PtCl_6{\cdot}6H_2O)$, as a precursor, was dissolved in ethylene glycol and silver nitrate ($AgNO_3$) was added as metal salt for shape control of Pt particle. Also, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), as capping agent, was added to reduce the size of particle and to separate the particles. The size of Pt nanoparticles was evaluated particle size analyzer (PSA). The size and morphology of Pt nanoparticles were observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and high resolution TEM (HRTEM). Synthesized Pt nanoparticles were studied with varying time and temperature of polyol process. Pt nanoparticles have been successfully synthesized with controlled sizes in the range 5-10 and 20-40 nm with cube and multiple-cube shapes.

• Journal of Electrochemical Science and Technology
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.15-20
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• 2023

Ionic liquids are considered as a promising, alternative solvent for the electrochemical synthesis of metals because of their high thermal and chemical stability, relatively high ionic conductivity, and wide electrochemical window. In particular, their wide electrochemical window enables the electrodeposition of metals without any side reaction of electrolytes such as hydrogen evolution. The electrodeposition of silver is conducted in 1-n-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([C4mim]Cl) ionic liquid system with a silver source of AgCl. This study is the first attempt to electrodeposit silver nanoparticles without using co-solvents other than [C4mim]Cl. Pulse electrolysis is employed for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles by varying applied potentials from -3.0 V to -4.5 V (vs. Pt-quasi reference electrode) and pulse duration from 0.1 s to 0.7 s. Accordingly, the silver nanoparticles whose size ranges from 15 nm to ~100 nm are obtained. The successful preparation of silver nanoparticles is demonstrated regardless of the kinds of substrate including aluminum, stainless steel, and carbon paper in the pulse electrolysis. Finally, the antimicrobial property of electrodeposited silver nanoparticles is confirmed by an antimicrobial test using Staphylococcus aureus.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Dyers and Finishers Conference
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• 2010.03a
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• pp.107-107
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• 2010

• Korean Journal of Environmental Biology
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• v.39 no.4
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• pp.550-558
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• 2021

In a radiotracer study, the bioaccumulation and efflux of metals in earthworms (Eisenia fetida) exposed to soil spiked with ZnO and Ag nanoparticles (AgNP) were compared to those exposed to soil spiked with ionic Zn and Ag. Additionally, the bioavailability and chemical mobility of nano- and ionic metals in the soil were estimated using the sequential extraction method and compared to the bioaccumulation factor(BAF). The BAF for ZnO (0.06) was 31 times lower than that for Zn ions (1.86), suggesting that ZnO was less bioavailable than the ionic form in contaminated soil. In contrast, the BAFs for two types of AgNPs coated with polyvinylpyrrolidone (0.12) or citrate (0.11) were comparable to those of ionic Ag (0.17). The sequential extraction of metals from the soil suggests that the chemically mobile fractions in the Zn ion treatment were higher(35%) than those (<20%) in the Ag ion treatment, which was consistent with the greater BAFs in the former than the latter. However, the chemical mobility in the ZnO treatments did not predict bioavailability. The efflux rates of Ag (3.2-3.8% d^-1) in the worms were 2-3×those(1.2-1.7% d^-1) for Zn.

• Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society
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• v.31 no.5
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• pp.1252-1256
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• 2010

A polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)/Ag nanocomposites was prepared by the simultaneous thermal reduction and radical polymerization route. The in situ synthesis of the Ag/PVP nanocomposites is based on the finding that the silver n-propylcarbamate (Ag-PCB) complex can be directly dissolved in the NVP monomer, and decomposed by only heat treatment in the range of 110 to $130^{\circ}C$ to form silver metal. Silver nanoparticles with a narrow size distribution (5 - 40 nm) were obtained, which were well dispersed in the PVP matrix. A successful synthesis of Ag/PVP nanocomposites then proceeded upon heat treatment as low as $110^{\circ}C$. Moreover, important advantages of the in situ synthesis of Ag/PVP composites include that no additives (e.g. solvent, surface-active agent, or reductant of metallic ions) are used, and that the stable silver nanocolloid solution can be directly prepared in high concentration simply by dissolving the Ag/PVP nanocomposites in water or organic solvent.