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Metallic Nanoparticles: From Synthesis, Structure-Property Relationships to Applications

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 September 2020) | Viewed by 58728

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Biomedical Engineering, Ecloe Polytechnique de Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
Interests: biomedical engineering; molecular imaging; photoacoustics; nanomaterials design; mathematical modelling; neuronal imaging; optical coherence tomography

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Metal nanoparticles continue to play a key role in developing smart nanostructures for applications in a wide variety of areas, including biology. Some of the significant challenges in designing such architectures relate to reproducibility in their synthesis and characterization using a variety of state-of-the-art techniques to develop a detailed understanding of the structure–property relationships, which could translate into higher efficacy in their intended applications. In this Special Issue we aim to develop a comprehensive survey on the recent fabrication and theoretical elaborations of metallic nanoparticles, including Fe, Ag, Au, Zn, Ti; efficacy in their surface functionalization, different methods for characterization to evaluate their unique properties, including electronic, magnetic, electrochemical and optical, and an exploration of their potential for applications in diagnostics, theranostics, sensors, electronic devices, etc. We invite all our colleagues working in the exciting field of nanotechnology to contribute their recent research findings in the format of a communication, full article, as well as reviews.

Prof. Dr. Frédéric Lesage
Prof. Dr. Ashok Kakkar
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • Nanotechnology
  • Metallic nanoparticles: Iron, Silver, Gold, Zn and Titanium
  • Characterization of metal nanoparticles
  • Theoretical evaluation
  • Surface functionalization
  • Surface plasmon resonance
  • Surfac enhanced Reyleigh scattering
  • Surfac enhanced Raman scattering
  • Diagnostics
  • Theranostics
  • Sensors
  • Optoelectronics
  • Electronics

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Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

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23 pages, 6577 KiB  
Article
Synthesis and Characterization of Citrate-Stabilized Gold-Coated Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles for Biomedical Applications
by René Stein, Bernhard Friedrich, Marina Mühlberger, Nadine Cebulla, Eveline Schreiber, Rainer Tietze, Iwona Cicha, Christoph Alexiou, Silvio Dutz, Aldo R. Boccaccini and Harald Unterweger
Molecules 2020, 25(19), 4425; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25194425 - 26 Sep 2020
Cited by 22 | Viewed by 4421
Abstract
Surface-functionalized gold-coated superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (Au-SPIONs) may be a useful tool in various biomedical applications. To obtain Au-SPIONs, gold salt was precipitated onto citrate-stabilized SPIONs (Cit-SPIONs) using a simple, aqueous one-pot technique inspired by the Turkevich method of gold nanoparticle synthesis. By [...] Read more.
Surface-functionalized gold-coated superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (Au-SPIONs) may be a useful tool in various biomedical applications. To obtain Au-SPIONs, gold salt was precipitated onto citrate-stabilized SPIONs (Cit-SPIONs) using a simple, aqueous one-pot technique inspired by the Turkevich method of gold nanoparticle synthesis. By the further stabilization of the Au-SPION surface with additional citrate (Cit-Au-SPIONs), controllable and reproducible Z-averages enhanced long-term dispersion stability and moderate dispersion pH values were achieved. The citrate concentration of the reaction solution and the gold/iron ratio was found to have a major influence on the particle characteristics. While the gold-coating reduced the saturation magnetization to 40.7% in comparison to pure Cit-SPIONs, the superparamagnetic behavior of Cit-Au-SPIONs was maintained. The formation of nanosized gold on the SPION surface was confirmed by X-ray diffraction measurements. Cit-Au-SPION concentrations of up to 100 µg Fe/mL for 48 h had no cytotoxic effect on Jurkat cells. At a particle concentration of 100 µg Fe/mL, Jurkat cells were found to take up Cit-Au-SPIONs after 24 h of incubation. A significantly higher attachment of thiol-containing L-cysteine to the particle surface was observed for Cit-Au-SPIONs (53%) in comparison to pure Cit-SPIONs (7%). Full article
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15 pages, 3358 KiB  
Article
MgONPs Can Boost Plant Growth: Evidence from Increased Seedling Growth, Morpho-Physiological Activities, and Mg Uptake in Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.)
by Lin Cai, Minghong Liu, Zhongwei Liu, Huikuan Yang, Xianchao Sun, Juanni Chen, Shunyu Xiang and Wei Ding
Molecules 2018, 23(12), 3375; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules23123375 - 19 Dec 2018
Cited by 65 | Viewed by 5019
Abstract
In this study, we documented the impact of magnesium oxide nanoparticles (MgONPs) on the various morpho-physiological changes by root irrigation in tobacco plants in the matrix media, as well as the uptake and accumulation of the NPs over a range of concentrations (50–250 [...] Read more.
In this study, we documented the impact of magnesium oxide nanoparticles (MgONPs) on the various morpho-physiological changes by root irrigation in tobacco plants in the matrix media, as well as the uptake and accumulation of the NPs over a range of concentrations (50–250 μg/mL). Our results showed that the seed germination rate was not affected following exposure to MgONPs for 5 days. Enhanced plant growth together with increased peroxidase activity (39.63 U mg−1 protein in the 250 μg/mL MgONPs treatment, 36.63 U mg−1 protein in the control), superoxide dismutase activity (30.15 U mg−1 protein compared to 26.95 U mg−1 protein in the control), and chlorophyll content (the chlorophyll a and b contents in 0 and 250 μg/mL of MgONPs were 0.21, 0.12 μg/g to 1.21, 0.67 μg/g, respectively) were observed after 30 days of MgONP treatment. However, the malondialdehyde, protein, and relative water contents did not differ significantly, indicating that the NPs in the test concentrations had no phytotoxicity and even promoted plant growth. Scanning electron microscopy and paraffin section observations indicated that the MgONPs did not affect the plant tissue structures and cells. In addition, an elevated Mg content was detected in the plant tissues exposed to MgONPs, suggesting that the Mg was taken up by the tobacco roots and translocated to the shoots and leaves, which were probably the most important tools to cause an increase in the chlorophyll content and stimulate growth. In particular, compared with the controls, a substantially higher Mg content was observed in the leaves (12.93 mg/g in the MgONPs treatment, 9.30 mg/g in the control) exposed to 250 μg/mL MgONPs, especially in the lower and middle leaves. This result confirmed that the contents of plant Mg-element in the old leaves were increased by MgONPs. In summary, this study investigated increased Mg uptake and growth stimulation, as well as the induction of various positive morpho-physiological changes to tobacco plants when exposed to MgONPs. Results elucidate the promotional impact of the NPs on plant health and their implications for agricultural safety and security. Full article
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15 pages, 2621 KiB  
Article
Phyto-Mediated Photo Catalysed Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Durio Zibethinus Seed Extract: Antimicrobial and Cytotoxic Activity and Photocatalytic Applications
by Samuggam Sumitha, Sethu Vasanthi, Sivadasan Shalini, Suresh V. Chinni, Subash C.B. Gopinath, Periasamy Anbu, Mohammed Baidi Bahari, Rajak Harish, Sathasivam Kathiresan and Veerasamy Ravichandran
Molecules 2018, 23(12), 3311; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules23123311 - 13 Dec 2018
Cited by 62 | Viewed by 5482
Abstract
In the present study, we have developed a green approach for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (DSAgNPs) using aqueous extract of Durio zibethinus seed and determined its antibacterial, photocatalytic and cytotoxic effects. Surface plasmon resonance confirmed the formation of DSAgNPs with a maximum [...] Read more.
In the present study, we have developed a green approach for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (DSAgNPs) using aqueous extract of Durio zibethinus seed and determined its antibacterial, photocatalytic and cytotoxic effects. Surface plasmon resonance confirmed the formation of DSAgNPs with a maximum absorbance (λmax) of 420 nm. SEM and TEM images revealed DSAgNPs were spherical and rod shaped, with a size range of 20 nm and 75 nm. The zeta potential was found to be −15.41 mV. XRD and EDX analyses confirmed the nature and presence of Ag and AgCl. DSAgNPs showed considerable antibacterial activity, exhibited better cytotoxicity against brine shrimp, and shown better photocatalytic activity against methylene blue. Based on the present research work, it can be concluded that DSAgNPs could be used in the field of water treatment, pharmaceuticals, biomedicine, biosensor and nanotechnology in near future. Full article
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12 pages, 2614 KiB  
Article
Antimicrobial Potential of Silver Nanoparticles Synthesized Using Medicinal Herb Coptidis rhizome
by Garima Sharma, Ju-Suk Nam, Ashish Ranjan Sharma and Sang-Soo Lee
Molecules 2018, 23(9), 2268; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules23092268 - 5 Sep 2018
Cited by 62 | Viewed by 7682
Abstract
Coptidis rhizome contains several alkaloids that are bioactive agents of therapeutic value. We propose an eco-friendly method to synthesize biocompatible silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using the aqueous extract of Coptidis rhizome. Silver ions were reduced to AgNPs using the aqueous extract of Coptidis [...] Read more.
Coptidis rhizome contains several alkaloids that are bioactive agents of therapeutic value. We propose an eco-friendly method to synthesize biocompatible silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using the aqueous extract of Coptidis rhizome. Silver ions were reduced to AgNPs using the aqueous extract of Coptidis rhizome, indicating that Coptidis rhizome can be used for the biosynthesis of AgNPs. The time and the concentration required for conversion of silver ions into AgNPs was optimized using UV-absorbance spectroscopy and inductively coupled plasma spectroscopy (ICP). Biosynthesized AgNPs showed a distinct UV-Visible absorption peak at 420 nm. ICP analysis showed that the time required for the completion of biosynthesis was around 20 min. Microscopic images showed that nanoparticles synthesized were of spherical shape and the average diameter of biosynthesized AgNPs was less than 30 nm. XRD analysis also confirmed the size of AgNps and revealed their crystalline nature. The interaction of AgNPs with phytochemicals present in Coptidis rhizome extract was observed in FTIR analysis. The antimicrobial property of AgNPs was evaluated using turbidity measurements. Coptidis rhizome-mediated biosynthesized AgNPs showed significant anti-bacterial activities against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus that are commonly involved in various types of infections, indicating their potential as an effective anti-bacterial agent. Full article
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14 pages, 1857 KiB  
Article
Histopathology of the Liver, Kidney, and Spleen of Mice Exposed to Gold Nanoparticles
by Khalid Elfaki Ibrahim, Mohsen Ghaleb Al-Mutary, Amel Omer Bakhiet and Haseeb Ahmad Khan
Molecules 2018, 23(8), 1848; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules23081848 - 25 Jul 2018
Cited by 138 | Viewed by 16084
Abstract
Gold nanoparticles (GNPs) are biocompatible nanomaterials that are currently researched for biomedical applications such as imaging and targeted drug delivery. In this investigation, we studied the effects of a single dose (injected on day 1) as well as a priming dose (two injections [...] Read more.
Gold nanoparticles (GNPs) are biocompatible nanomaterials that are currently researched for biomedical applications such as imaging and targeted drug delivery. In this investigation, we studied the effects of a single dose (injected on day 1) as well as a priming dose (two injections with a gap of one week) of 5 nm, 20 nm, and 50 nm diameter GNPs on the structural and biochemical changes in the liver, kidney, and spleen of mice. The results showed that small sized GNPs (5 nm) produced significant pathological changes in the liver on day 2 that gradually reduced on day 8. The medium (20 nm) and large (50 nm) sized GNPs preferentially targeted the spleen and caused significant pathological changes to the spleen architecture on day 2 that persisted on day 8 as well. There were minimal and insignificant pathological changes to the kidneys irrespective of the GNPs size. The animals that were primed with the pre-exposure of GNPs did not show any aggravation of histological changes after the second dose of the same GNPs. None of the dose regimens of the GNPs were able to significantly affect the markers of oxidative stress including glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in all of the organs that were studied. In conclusion, the size of GNPs plays an important role in their pathological effects on different organs of mice. Moreover, the primed animals become refractory to further pathological changes after the second dose of GNPs, suggesting the importance of a priming dose in medical applications of GNPs. Full article
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14 pages, 5661 KiB  
Article
Plate-Focusing Based on a Meta-Molecule of Dendritic Structure in the Visible Frequency
by Suna Cheng, Di An, Huan Chen and Xiaopeng Zhao
Molecules 2018, 23(6), 1323; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules23061323 - 31 May 2018
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3208
Abstract
To study the potential application of metasurfaces in lens technology, we propose a dendritic meta-molecule surface (also referred to as a dendritic metasurface) and realize the focusing effect in the visible spectrum through simulations and experiments. Using asymmetric dendritic structures, this metasurface can [...] Read more.
To study the potential application of metasurfaces in lens technology, we propose a dendritic meta-molecule surface (also referred to as a dendritic metasurface) and realize the focusing effect in the visible spectrum through simulations and experiments. Using asymmetric dendritic structures, this metasurface can achieve distinct broadband anomalous reflection and refraction. When the metasurface is rotated by 180° around the z axis, anomalous reflection and refraction in vertically incident optical waves are in opposite directions. Considering this feature, a metasurface is designed to achieve a prominent plate-focusing effect. Samples with a transmission peak of green light at 555 nm, yellow light at 580 nm, and red light at 650 nm were prepared using bottom-up electrochemical deposition, and the focus intensity of approximately 10% and focal length of almost 600 µm were experimentally demonstrated. Full article
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Review

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28 pages, 8646 KiB  
Review
Synthetic Methodologies to Gold Nanoshells: An Overview
by Yu-Chen Wang, Éric Rhéaume, Frédéric Lesage and Ashok Kakkar
Molecules 2018, 23(11), 2851; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules23112851 - 2 Nov 2018
Cited by 40 | Viewed by 9375
Abstract
Gold nanostructures that can be synthetically articulated to adapt diverse morphologies, offer a versatile platform and tunable properties for applications in a variety of areas, including biomedicine and diagnostics. Among several conformational architectures, gold nanoshells provide a highly advantageous combination of properties that [...] Read more.
Gold nanostructures that can be synthetically articulated to adapt diverse morphologies, offer a versatile platform and tunable properties for applications in a variety of areas, including biomedicine and diagnostics. Among several conformational architectures, gold nanoshells provide a highly advantageous combination of properties that can be fine-tuned in designing single or multi-purpose nanomaterials, especially for applications in biology. One of the important parameters for evaluating the efficacy of gold nano-architectures is their reproducible synthesis and surface functionalization with desired moieties. A variety of methods now exist that allow fabrication and chemical manipulation of their structure and resulting properties. This review article provides an overview and a discussion of synthetic methodologies to a diverse range of gold nanoshells, and a brief summary of surface functionalization and characterization methods employed to evaluate their overall composition. Full article
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23 pages, 733 KiB  
Review
Bactericidal Properties of Plants-Derived Metal and Metal Oxide Nanoparticles (NPs)
by Sin-Yeang Teow, Magdelyn Mei-Theng Wong, Hooi-Yeen Yap, Suat-Cheng Peh and Kamyar Shameli
Molecules 2018, 23(6), 1366; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules23061366 - 6 Jun 2018
Cited by 39 | Viewed by 6322
Abstract
Nanoparticles (NPs) are nano-sized particles (generally 1–100 nm) that can be synthesized through various methods. The wide range of physicochemical characteristics of NPs permit them to have diverse biological functions. These particles are versatile and can be adopted into various applications, particularly in [...] Read more.
Nanoparticles (NPs) are nano-sized particles (generally 1–100 nm) that can be synthesized through various methods. The wide range of physicochemical characteristics of NPs permit them to have diverse biological functions. These particles are versatile and can be adopted into various applications, particularly in biomedical field. In the past five years, NPs’ roles in biomedical applications have drawn considerable attentions, and novel NPs with improved functions and reduced toxicity are continuously increasing. Extensive studies have been carried out in evaluating antibacterial potentials of NPs. The promising antibacterial effects exhibited by NPs highlight the potential of developing them into future generation of antimicrobial agents. There are various methods to synthesize NPs, and each of the method has significant implication on the biological action of NPs. Among all synthetic methods, green technology is the least toxic biological route, which is particularly suitable for biomedical applications. This mini-review provides current update on the antibacterial effects of NPs synthesized by green technology using plants. Underlying challenges in developing NPs into future antibacterials in clinics are also discussed at the present review. Full article
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