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Biogenic Nanomaterials: Versatility and Applications
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Biogenic Nanomaterials: Versatility and Applications

A special issue of Molecules (ISSN 1420-3049). This special issue belongs to the section "Nanochemistry".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 October 2019) | Viewed by 54071

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Clayton Jeffryes

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Chemical Engineering, Lamar University, Beaumont, TX 77705, USA
Interests: nanobiomaterials; bioprocessing; biomimetics; algae; bioproducts; biopolymers
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Si Amar Dahoumane

E-Mail Website1 Website2
Guest Editor
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Université de Moncton, Moncton, NB, Canada
Interests: nanomaterials; biomaterials; biomedical engineering; bioprocesses
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The last two decades have witnessed the fast growth of greener methodologies for the synthesis of different biogenically synthesized inorganic nanoparticles (NPs), nanomaterials and structures. These NPs may belong to various families, such as metallic, oxides and chalcogenides. Owing to the richness of the utilised resources, namely plants, fungi, bacteria and algae, their method of preparation and use, and the fine tuning of the experimental parameters, materials scientists have demonstrated the power and the versatility of these sustainable routes by controlling the features of the as-synthesized NPs, such as the shape, the size and the composition. These features are confirmed using several techniques of characterization, such as microscopies and spectroscopies. Besides being scalable and generally requiring benign, environmentally friendly process inputs and process conditions near ambient temperatures and pressures, these routes lead to the production of valuable nanomaterials possessing unique properties that may find applications in different fields, such as medicine and catalysis to name a few.

To this end, we extend this invitation to submit innovative research articles and reviews on subjects pertaining to biologically synthesized nanomaterials, structures or particles, their synthesis or scalable production methods, demonstrations of biogenic nanomaterial applications, or life cycle analysis.

Dr. Clayton Jeffryes
Dr. Si Amar Dahoumane
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Molecules is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • Biosynthesis
  • Nanoparticles
  • Bioresources
  • Nanotechnology
  • Green Chemistry
  • Scalability
  • Bioprocess
  • Phototroph

Published Papers (10 papers)

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Editorial

Jump to: Research, Review

3 pages, 166 KiB  
Editorial
Special Issue: Biogenic Nanomaterials: Versatility and Applications
by Clayton Jeffryes and Si Amar Dahoumane
Molecules 2020, 25(9), 2034; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25092034 - 27 Apr 2020
Viewed by 1560
Abstract
Greener processes have emerged as serious and competitive routes to produce various nanomaterials [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biogenic Nanomaterials: Versatility and Applications)

Research

Jump to: Editorial, Review

19 pages, 6611 KiB  
Article
A Mechanistic View of the Light-Induced Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Extracellular Polymeric Substances of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii
by Ashiqur Rahman, Shishir Kumar, Adarsh Bafana, Julia Lin, Si Amar Dahoumane and Clayton Jeffryes
Molecules 2019, 24(19), 3506; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules24193506 - 27 Sep 2019
Cited by 37 | Viewed by 3354
Abstract
In the current study, extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii and photon energy biosynthetically converted Ag+ to silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). The reaction mechanism began with the non-photon-dependent adsorption of Ag+ to EPS biomolecules. An electron from the EPS biomolecules was [...] Read more.
In the current study, extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii and photon energy biosynthetically converted Ag+ to silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). The reaction mechanism began with the non-photon-dependent adsorption of Ag+ to EPS biomolecules. An electron from the EPS biomolecules was then donated to reduce Ag+ to Ag0, while a simultaneous release of H+ acidified the reaction mixture. The acidification of the media and production rate of AgNPs increased with increasing light intensity, indicating the light-dependent nature of the AgNP synthesis process. In addition, the extent of Ag+ disappearance from the aqueous phase and the AgNP production rate were both dependent on the quantity of EPS in the reaction mixture, indicating Ag+ adsorption to EPS as an important step in AgNP production. Following the reaction, stabilization of the NPs took place as a function of EPS concentration. The shifts in the intensities and positions of the functional groups, detected by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), indicated the potential functional groups in the EPS that reduced Ag+, capped Ag0, and produced stable AgNPs. Based on these findings, a hypothetic three-step, EPS-mediated biosynthesis mechanism, which includes a light-independent adsorption of Ag+, a light-dependent reduction of Ag+ to Ag0, and an EPS concentration-dependent stabilization of Ag0 to AgNPs, has been proposed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biogenic Nanomaterials: Versatility and Applications)
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18 pages, 3883 KiB  
Article
Influence of Bacterial Physiology on Processing of Selenite, Biogenesis of Nanomaterials and Their Thermodynamic Stability
by Elena Piacenza, Alessandro Presentato, Marta Bardelli, Silvia Lampis, Giovanni Vallini and Raymond J. Turner
Molecules 2019, 24(14), 2532; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules24142532 - 11 Jul 2019
Cited by 21 | Viewed by 2745
Abstract
We explored how Ochrobactrum sp. MPV1 can convert up to 2.5 mM selenite within 120 h, surviving the challenge posed by high oxyanion concentrations. The data show that thiol-based biotic chemical reaction(s) occur upon bacterial exposure to low selenite concentrations, whereas enzymatic systems [...] Read more.
We explored how Ochrobactrum sp. MPV1 can convert up to 2.5 mM selenite within 120 h, surviving the challenge posed by high oxyanion concentrations. The data show that thiol-based biotic chemical reaction(s) occur upon bacterial exposure to low selenite concentrations, whereas enzymatic systems account for oxyanion removal when 2 mM oxyanion is exceeded. The selenite bioprocessing produces selenium nanomaterials, whose size and morphology depend on the bacterial physiology. Selenium nanoparticles were always produced by MPV1 cells, featuring an average diameter ranging between 90 and 140 nm, which we conclude constitutes the thermodynamic stability range for these nanostructures. Alternatively, selenium nanorods were observed for bacterial cells exposed to high selenite concentration or under controlled metabolism. Biogenic nanomaterials were enclosed by an organic material in part composed of amphiphilic biomolecules, which could form nanosized structures independently. Bacterial physiology influences the surface charge characterizing the organic material, suggesting its diverse biomolecular composition and its involvement in the tuning of the nanomaterial morphology. Finally, the organic material is in thermodynamic equilibrium with nanomaterials and responsible for their electrosteric stabilization, as changes in the temperature slightly influence the stability of biogenic compared to chemogenic nanomaterials. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biogenic Nanomaterials: Versatility and Applications)
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13 pages, 2282 KiB  
Article
Cellulose Nanocrystal Surface Cationization: A New Fungicide with High Activity against Phycomycetes capsici
by Shunyu Xiang, Xiaozhou Ma, Shuyue Liao, Huan Shi, Changyun Liu, Yang Shen, Xing Lv, Mengting Yuan, Guangjin Fan, Jin Huang and Xianchao Sun
Molecules 2019, 24(13), 2467; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules24132467 - 04 Jul 2019
Cited by 29 | Viewed by 3577
Abstract
At present, the management of Phytophthora capsici (P. capsici) mainly relies on chemical pesticides. However, along with the resistance generated by P. capsici to these chemical pesticides, the toxicity and non-degradability of this chemical molecule may also cause serious environmental problems. [...] Read more.
At present, the management of Phytophthora capsici (P. capsici) mainly relies on chemical pesticides. However, along with the resistance generated by P. capsici to these chemical pesticides, the toxicity and non-degradability of this chemical molecule may also cause serious environmental problems. Herein, a new bio-based nano-antifungal material (CNC@CTAB) was made with coating hexadecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) on the surface of a cellulose nanocrystal (CNC). This material was then applied to the prevention of P. capcisi. This particle was facilely fabricated by mixing CTAB and sulfuric group modified CNC in an aqueous solvent. Compared to pure CTAB, the enrichment of CTAB on the CNC surface showed a better anti-oomycete activity both in vitro and in vivo. When CNC@CTAB was applied on P. capsici in vitro, the inhibition rate reached as high as 100%, while on the pepper leaf, the particle could also efficiently prevent the infection of P. capsici, and achieve a disease index as low as zero Thus, considering the high safety of CNC@CTAB in agricultural applications, and its high anti-oomycete activity against P. capsici, we believe that this CNC@CTAB has great application potential as a new green nano-fungicide in P. capsici management during the production of peppers or other vegetables. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biogenic Nanomaterials: Versatility and Applications)
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15 pages, 4816 KiB  
Article
Biological Activities of Euphorbia peplus Leaves Ethanolic Extract and the Extract Fabricated Gold Nanoparticles (AuNPs)
by Hamed A. Ghramh, Khalid Ali Khan and Essam H. Ibrahim
Molecules 2019, 24(7), 1431; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules24071431 - 11 Apr 2019
Cited by 26 | Viewed by 3942
Abstract
Euphorbia peplus leaves extract (EpExt) and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) phytofabricated with extract (EpExt-AuNPs) were investigated for biological activities. EpExt and EpExt-AuNPs were screened for: (i) anticancer activity against Hela and HepG2 cell lines; (ii) antimicrobial activity; (iii) hemolytic activity; (iv) cytotoxic or stimulatory [...] Read more.
Euphorbia peplus leaves extract (EpExt) and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) phytofabricated with extract (EpExt-AuNPs) were investigated for biological activities. EpExt and EpExt-AuNPs were screened for: (i) anticancer activity against Hela and HepG2 cell lines; (ii) antimicrobial activity; (iii) hemolytic activity; (iv) cytotoxic or stimulatory effects; and (v) insecticidal activity. AuNPs (size 50 nm) were synthesized. (i) EpExt had a stimulatory effect (51.04%) on Hela cells and an inhibitory effect (−12.83%) on HepG2 cells while EpExt-AuNPs showed inhibitory effects (−54.25% and −59.64% on Hela and HepG2 cells respectively). (ii) Antimicrobial activity of EpExt-AuNPs was significantly higher (ranged from 11.67 mm to 14.33 mm) than that of EpExt (ranged from 5.33 mm to 6.33 mm). (iii) Both EpExt and EpExt-AuNPs displayed 100% hemolysis. (iv) A dose-dependent inhibitory effect of EpExt was observed (ranged from −48.5% to −92.1%), which was greater than that of EpExt-AuNPs (ranged from −32.1% to −69.1%) (v) EpExt-AuNPs was more lethal against mosquito larvae with lethal concentration (LC50) value (202.692 ppm) compared to EpExt (1430.590 ppm). In conclusion, EpExt-AuNPs were inhibitory against HepG2 and Hela cells, while EpExt inhibited HepG2 but stimulated Hela cells. EpExt-AuNPs had antimicrobial effects. EpExt showed dose-dependent inhibitory effects on splenic cells. EpExt-AuNPs were lethal against mosquito larvae. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biogenic Nanomaterials: Versatility and Applications)
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16 pages, 5783 KiB  
Article
Biomimetic Mineralization of Magnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles Mediated by Bi-Functional Copolypeptides
by Liu Liu, Ximing Pu, Guangfu Yin, Xianchun Chen, Jie Yin and Yuhao Wu
Molecules 2019, 24(7), 1401; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules24071401 - 10 Apr 2019
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3320
Abstract
Magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles are widely used in multiple biomedical applications due to their magnetic properties depending on the size, shape and organization of the crystals. However, the crystal growth and morphology of Fe3O4 nanoparticles remain difficult [...] Read more.
Magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles are widely used in multiple biomedical applications due to their magnetic properties depending on the size, shape and organization of the crystals. However, the crystal growth and morphology of Fe3O4 nanoparticles remain difficult to control without using organic solvent or a high temperature. Inspired by the natural biomineralization process, a 14-mer bi-functional copolypeptide, leveraging the affinity of binding Fe3O4 together with targeting ovarian cancer cell A2780, was used as a template in the biomimetic mineralization of magnetite. Alongside this, a ginger extract was applied as an antioxidant and a size-conditioning agent of Fe3O4 crystals. As a result of the cooperative effects of the peptide and the ginger extract, the size and dispersibility of Fe3O4 were controlled based on the interaction of the amino acid and the ginger extract. Our study also demonstrated that the obtained particles with superparamagnetism could selectively be taken up by A2780 cells. In summary, the Fe3O4-QY-G nanoparticles may have potential applications in targeting tumor therapy or angiography. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biogenic Nanomaterials: Versatility and Applications)
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18 pages, 4485 KiB  
Article
Individual and Combined Effects of Extracellular Polymeric Substances and Whole Cell Components of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii on Silver Nanoparticle Synthesis and Stability
by Ashiqur Rahman, Shishir Kumar, Adarsh Bafana, Si Amar Dahoumane and Clayton Jeffryes
Molecules 2019, 24(5), 956; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules24050956 - 08 Mar 2019
Cited by 32 | Viewed by 3815
Abstract
The fresh water microalga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii bioreduced Ag+ to silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) via three biosynthetic routes in a process that could be a more sustainable alternative to conventionally produced AgNPs. The AgNPs were synthesized in either the presence of whole cell cultures, [...] Read more.
The fresh water microalga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii bioreduced Ag+ to silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) via three biosynthetic routes in a process that could be a more sustainable alternative to conventionally produced AgNPs. The AgNPs were synthesized in either the presence of whole cell cultures, an exopolysaccharide (EPS)-containing cell culture supernatant, or living cells that had been separated from the EPS-containing supernatant and then washed before being suspended again in fresh media. While AgNPs were produced by all three methods, the washed cultures had no supernatant-derived EPS and produced only unstable AgNPs, thus the supernatant-EPS was shown to be necessary to cap and stabilize the biogenic AgNPs. TEM images showed stable AgNPs were mostly spherical and showed a bimodal size distribution about the size ranges of 3.0 ± 1.3 nm and 19.2 ± 5.0 nm for whole cultures and 3.5 ± 0.6 nm and 17.4 ± 2.6 nm for EPS only. Moreover, selected area electron diffraction pattern of these AgNPs confirmed their polycrystalline nature. FTIR of the as-produced AgNPs identified polysaccharides, polyphenols and proteins were responsible for the observed differences in the AgNP stability, size and shape. Additionally, Raman spectroscopy indicated carboxylate and amine groups were bound to the AgNP surface. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biogenic Nanomaterials: Versatility and Applications)
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20 pages, 2764 KiB  
Article
Biosynthetic Conversion of Ag+ to highly Stable Ag0 Nanoparticles by Wild Type and Cell Wall Deficient Strains of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii
by Ashiqur Rahman, Shishir Kumar, Adarsh Bafana, Si Amar Dahoumane and Clayton Jeffryes
Molecules 2019, 24(1), 98; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules24010098 - 28 Dec 2018
Cited by 54 | Viewed by 8886
Abstract
In the current study, two different strains of the green, freshwater microalga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii bioreduced Ag+ to silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), which have applications in biosensors, biomaterials, and therapeutic and diagnostic tools. The bioreduction takes place in cell cultures of C. reinhardtii at [...] Read more.
In the current study, two different strains of the green, freshwater microalga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii bioreduced Ag+ to silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), which have applications in biosensors, biomaterials, and therapeutic and diagnostic tools. The bioreduction takes place in cell cultures of C. reinhardtii at ambient temperature and atmospheric pressure, thus eliminating the need for specialized equipment, harmful reducing agents or the generation of toxic byproducts. In addition to the visual changes in the cell culture, the production of AgNPs was confirmed by the characteristic surface plasmon resonance (SPR) band in the range of 415–425 nm using UV-Vis spectrophotometry and further evolution of the SPR peaks were studied by comparing the peak intensity at maximum absorbance over time. X-ray diffraction (XRD) determined that the NPs were Ag0. Micrographs from transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed that 97 ± 2% AgNPs were <10 nm in diameter. Ag+ to AgNP conversion was determined by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES). The AgNPs were stable over time in the cell culture media, acetone, NaCl and reagent alcohol solutions. This was verified by a negligible change in the features of the SPR band after t > 300 days of storage at 4 °C. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biogenic Nanomaterials: Versatility and Applications)
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Review

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25 pages, 10529 KiB  
Review
Applications of Magnetotactic Bacteria, Magnetosomes and Magnetosome Crystals in Biotechnology and Nanotechnology: Mini-Review
by Gabriele Vargas, Jefferson Cypriano, Tarcisio Correa, Pedro Leão, Dennis A. Bazylinski and Fernanda Abreu
Molecules 2018, 23(10), 2438; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules23102438 - 24 Sep 2018
Cited by 97 | Viewed by 13536
Abstract
Magnetotactic bacteria (MTB) biomineralize magnetosomes, which are defined as intracellular nanocrystals of the magnetic minerals magnetite (Fe3O4) or greigite (Fe3S4) enveloped by a phospholipid bilayer membrane. The synthesis of magnetosomes is controlled by a specific [...] Read more.
Magnetotactic bacteria (MTB) biomineralize magnetosomes, which are defined as intracellular nanocrystals of the magnetic minerals magnetite (Fe3O4) or greigite (Fe3S4) enveloped by a phospholipid bilayer membrane. The synthesis of magnetosomes is controlled by a specific set of genes that encode proteins, some of which are exclusively found in the magnetosome membrane in the cell. Over the past several decades, interest in nanoscale technology (nanotechnology) and biotechnology has increased significantly due to the development and establishment of new commercial, medical and scientific processes and applications that utilize nanomaterials, some of which are biologically derived. One excellent example of a biological nanomaterial that is showing great promise for use in a large number of commercial and medical applications are bacterial magnetite magnetosomes. Unlike chemically-synthesized magnetite nanoparticles, magnetosome magnetite crystals are stable single-magnetic domains and are thus permanently magnetic at ambient temperature, are of high chemical purity, and display a narrow size range and consistent crystal morphology. These physical/chemical features are important in their use in biotechnological and other applications. Applications utilizing magnetite-producing MTB, magnetite magnetosomes and/or magnetosome magnetite crystals include and/or involve bioremediation, cell separation, DNA/antigen recovery or detection, drug delivery, enzyme immobilization, magnetic hyperthermia and contrast enhancement of magnetic resonance imaging. Metric analysis using Scopus and Web of Science databases from 2003 to 2018 showed that applied research involving magnetite from MTB in some form has been focused mainly in biomedical applications, particularly in magnetic hyperthermia and drug delivery. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biogenic Nanomaterials: Versatility and Applications)
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20 pages, 2950 KiB  
Review
Application of Plant Viruses as a Biotemplate for Nanomaterial Fabrication
by Yu Zhang, Yixin Dong, Jinhua Zhou, Xun Li and Fei Wang
Molecules 2018, 23(9), 2311; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules23092311 - 11 Sep 2018
Cited by 51 | Viewed by 8368
Abstract
Viruses are widely used to fabricate nanomaterials in the field of nanotechnology. Plant viruses are of great interest to the nanotechnology field because of their symmetry, polyvalency, homogeneous size distribution, and ability to self-assemble. This homogeneity can be used to obtain the high [...] Read more.
Viruses are widely used to fabricate nanomaterials in the field of nanotechnology. Plant viruses are of great interest to the nanotechnology field because of their symmetry, polyvalency, homogeneous size distribution, and ability to self-assemble. This homogeneity can be used to obtain the high uniformity of the templated material and its related properties. In this paper, the variety of nanomaterials generated in rod-like and spherical plant viruses is highlighted for the cowpea chlorotic mottle virus (CCMV), cowpea mosaic virus (CPMV), brome mosaic virus (BMV), and tobacco mosaic virus (TMV). Their recent studies on developing nanomaterials in a wide range of applications from biomedicine and catalysts to biosensors are reviewed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biogenic Nanomaterials: Versatility and Applications)
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