• The Plant Pathology Journal
• /
• v.25 no.4
• /
• pp.376-380
• /
• 2009

Effects of silver nanoparticles on the phytopathogenic fungal growth were investigated. Fungal phytopathogens, especially for sclerotium-forming species Rhizoctonia solani, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum and S. minor, were selected due to their important roles in survival and disease cycle. Tests for the fungal hyphal growth revealed that silver nanoparticles remarkably inhibit the hyphal growth in a dose-dependent manner. Different antimicrobial efficiency of the silver nanoparticle was observed among the fungi on their hyphal growth in the following order, R. solani > S. sclerotiorum > S. minor. Tests for the sclerotial germination growth revealed that the nanoparticles showed significant inhibition effectiveness. In particular, the sclerotial germination growth of S. sclerotiorum was most effectively inhibited at low concentrations of silver nanoparticles. A microscopic observation revealed that hyphae exposed to silver nanoparticles were severely damaged, resulting in the separation of layers of hyphal wall and collapse of hyphae. This study suggests the possibility to use silver nanoparticles as an alternative to pesticides for scleotium-forming phytopathogenic fungal controls.

• Mycobiology
• /
• v.39 no.3
• /
• pp.194-199
• /
• 2011

Pepper anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum species is one of the most important limiting factors for pepper production in Korea, its management being strongly dependent on chemicals. The aim of this work was to evaluate the possibilities of using silver nanoparticles instead of commercial fungicides. In this study, we evaluated the effect of silver nanoparticles against pepper anthracnose under different culture conditions. Silver nanoparticles (WA-PR-WB13R) were applied at various concentrations to determine antifungal activities in vitro and in the field. The application of 100 ppm concentration of silver nanoparticles produced maximum inhibition of the growth of fungal hyphae as well as conidial germination in comparison to the control in vitro. In field trials, the inhibition of fungi was significantly high when silver nanoparticles were applied before disease outbreak on the plants. Scanning electron microscopy results indicated that the silver nanoparticles caused a detrimental effect on mycelial growth of Colletotrichum species.

• Proceedings of the Korean Vacuum Society Conference
• /
• 2014.02a
• /
• pp.166.1-166.1
• /
• 2014

We have controlled the graphene surface in two ways to improve the device performance of optoelectronics based on graphene transparent conductive films. We controlled multilayer graphene (MLG) work function and localized surface plasmon resonance wavelength using a silver nanoparticles formed on graphene surface. Graphene substrates were prepared using a chemical vapor deposition and transfer process. Various size of silver nanoparticles were prepared using a thermal evaporator and post annealing process on graphene surface. Silver nanoparticles were confirmed by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Work functions of graphene surface with various sizes of Ag nanoparticles were measured using ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS). The result shows that the work functions of MLG could be controlled from 4.39 eV to 4.55 eV by coating different amounts of silver nanoparticles while minimal changes in the sheet resistance and transmittance. Also the Localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) wavelength was investigated according to various sizes of silver nanoparticles. LSPR wavelength was measured using the absorbance spectrum, and we confirmed that the resonance wavelength could be controlled from 396nm to 425nm according to the size of silver nanoparticles on graphene surface. To confirm improvement of the device performance, we fabricated the organic solar cell based on MLG electrode. The results show that the work function and plasmon resonance wavelength could be controlled to improve the performance of optoelectronics device.

• Journal of Korean Society of Water and Wastewater
• /
• v.29 no.1
• /
• pp.77-88
• /
• 2015

Soil column experiments were evaluated effects of silver nanoparticles (i.e., 0, 2.5, 5, and 10 mg/L) on the microbial viability which is strongly associated with the degradation of organic matter, pharmaceutically active compounds(PhACs) and biological oxidation of nitrogenous compounds during river bank filtration. The addition of silver nanoparticles resulted in almost no change in the aqueous matrix. However, the intact cell concentration decreased with addition of silver nanoparticles from 2.5 to 10 mg/L, which accounted for 76% to 82% reduction compared to that of control (silver nanoparticles free surface water). The decrease in adenosine triphosphate was more pronounced; thus, the number and active cells in aqueous phase were concurrently decreased with added silver nanoparticles. Based on the florescence excitation-emission matrix and liquid chromatograph - organic carbon detection analyses, it shows that the removal of protein-like substances was relatively higher than that of humic-like substances, and polysaccharide was substantially reduced. But the extent of those substances removed during soil passage was decreased with the increasing concentration of silver nanoparticles. The attenuation of ionic PhACs ranged from 55% to 80%, depending on the concentration of silver nanoparticles. The attenuation of neutral PhACs ranged between 72% and 77%, which was relatively lower than that observed for the ionic PhACs. The microbial viability was affected by silver nanoparticles, which also resulted in inhibition of nitrifiers.

• Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society
• /
• v.32 no.2
• /
• pp.553-558
• /
• 2011

Copolymeric silver nanocomposite hydrogels were synthesized by using acryloyl phenylalanine (APA), N'-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAM) and crosslinked by N,N-methylene bisacrylamide (MBA) via radical redox polymerization. Present study allows entrapping silver nanoparticles into hydrogel networks. UV-visible spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies confirmed the formation of silver nanoparticles in hydrogel matrix. 11% of weight loss difference between hydrogel and silver nanocomposite hydrogel is clearly indicates the formation and silver nanoparticles by thermo-gravimetrical analysis. The order of swelling capacity values of hydrogels and silver nanocmposite hydrogels were found to be in the order of placebo copolymeric hydrogel >Ag-copolymeric silver nanocomposite hydrogels. The particle size of silver nanoparticles was analysed and are in the range of 5 - 10 nm which has been confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) as well as particle size analysis. The silver nanocomposite hydrogel has shown very good antibacterial activity on gram-positive and gram-negative bacteriocides.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
• /
• v.20 no.7
• /
• pp.1061-1068
• /
• 2010

The biological synthesis of nanoparticles has gained considerable attention in view of their excellent biocompatibility and low toxicity. We isolated and purified rhamnolipids from Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain BS-161R, and these purified rhamnolipids were used to synthesize silver nanoparticles. The purified rhamnolipids were further characterized and the structure was elucidated based on one- and two-dimensional $^1H$ and $^{13}C$ NMR, FT-IR, and HR-MS spectral data. Purified rhamnolipids in a pseudoternary system of n-heptane and water system along with n-butanol as a cosurfactant were added to the aqueous solutions of silver nitrate and sodium borohydride to form reverse micelles. When these micelles were mixed, they resulted in the rapid formation of silver nanoparticles. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by UV-Visible spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The nanoparticles formed had a sharp adsorption peak at 410 nm, which is characteristic of surface plasmon resonance of the silver nanoparticles. The nanoparticles were monodispersed, with an average particle size of 15.1 nm (${\sigma}={\pm}5.82$ nm), and spherical in shape. The EDS analysis revealed the presence of elemental silver signal in the synthesized nanoparticles. The formed silver nanoparticles exhibited good antibiotic activity against both Grampositive and Gram-negative pathogens and Candida albicans, suggesting their broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity.

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

• Mycobiology
• /
• v.39 no.1
• /
• pp.26-32
• /
• 2011

Powdery mildew is one of the most devastating diseases in cucurbits. Crop yield can decline as the disease severity increases. In this study, we evaluated the effect of silver nanoparticles against powdery mildew under different cultivation conditions in vitro and in vivo. Silver nanoparticles (WA-CV-WA13B) at various concentrations were applied before and after disease outbreak in plants to determine antifungal activities. In the field tests, the application of 100 ppm silver nanoparticles showed the highest inhibition rate for both before and after the outbreak of disease on cucumbers and pumpkins. Also, the application of 100 ppm silver nanoparticles showed maximum inhibition for the growth of fungal hyphae and conidial germination in in vivo tests. Scanning electron microscope results indicated that the silver nanoparticles caused detrimental effects on both mycelial growth and conidial germination.

• Safety and Health at Work
• /
• v.2 no.1
• /
• pp.34-38
• /
• 2011

Objectives: The antimicrobial activity of silver nanoparticles has resulted in their widespread use in many consumer products. Yet, despite their many advantages, it is also important to determine whether silver nanoparticles may represent a hazard to the environment and human health. Methods: Thus, to evaluate the genotoxic potential of silver nanoparticles, in vivo genotoxicity testing (OECD 474, in vivo micronuclei test) was conducted after exposing male and female Sprague-Dawley rats to silver nanoparticles by inhalation for 90 days according to OECD test guideline 413 (Subchronic Inhalation Toxicity: 90 Day Study) with a good laboratory practice system. The rats were exposed to silver nanoparticles (18 nm diameter) at concentrations of $0.7\;{\times}\;10^6$ particles/$cm^3$ (low dose), $1.4\;{\times}\;10^6$ particles/$cm^3$ (middle dose), and $2.9\;{\times}\;10^6$ particles/$cm^3$ (high dose) for 6 hr/day in an inhalation chamber for 90 days. The rats were killed 24 hr after the last administration, then the femurs were removed and the bone marrow collected and evaluated for micronucleus induction. Results: There were no statistically significant differences in the micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes or in the ratio of polychromatic erythrocytes among the total erythrocytes after silver nanoparticle exposure when compared with the control. Conclusion: The present results suggest that exposure to silver nanoparticles by inhalation for 90 days does not induce genetic toxicity in male and female rat bone marrow in vivo.

• Membrane Journal
• /
• v.29 no.5
• /
• pp.246-251
• /
• 2019

Facilitated transport membranes using silver nanoparticles as carriers for olefin/paraffin separation have been interested. $AgBF_4$ has been used as a precursor of silver nanoparticles in previous studies. However, relatively expensive $AgBF_4$ is not suitable for commercialization, and thus, PEBAX-5513/AgNPs (precursor: $AgClO_4$)/7,7,8,8-tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ) composite membranes were prepared using silver nanopaticles with relatively inexpensive $AgClO_4$ precursors. Composite membranes of various compositions were prepared for PEBAX-5513/AgNPs/TCNQ composites, but no separation performance was observed. As a result of FT-IR analysis, it was confirmed that silver nanoparticles were formed in the PEBAX-5513 polymer and the surface of Ag nanoparticles was polarized by TCNQ, but the formed silver nanoparticles were not stabilized. From these results, it was concluded that the anion of the precursor plays an important role in the olefin/paraffin separation.