Infrared luminescence in bismuth-doped AgCl crystals

Synthesis and characterization of PCU@C-Ag/AgCl nanoparticles as an antimicrobial material for respiratory tract infection

The pregnant cow urine (PCU) is an active source of antimicrobial agents that is used for fabricating chitosan coated Ag/AgCl nanoparticles (NPs) in the present study. These PCU@C-Ag/AgCl NPs were physicochemically characterized and evaluated for antimicrobial activity against selected respiratory tract infection (RTI) pathogens. The absorption band around 420 nm in UV-Visible spectrum indicated the presence of Ag NPs. The spherical shape of NPs was observed using TEM. Also, the crystalline structure was confirmed using the XRD pattern. The PCU@C-Ag/AgCl NPs showed strong antimicrobial activity against all tested RTI pathogens. In addition, FESEM analysis showed morphological changes in RTI bacterial pathogens. Thereby, PCU@C-Ag/AgCl NPs may be used as an antimicrobial material to treat RTIs in near future at clinical level.

Synthesis, characterization and application of intracellular Ag/AgCl nanohybrids biosynthesized in Scenedesmus sp. as neutral lipid inducer and antibacterial agent

The current research focuses on the Intracellular biosynthesis of Ag/AgCl nanohybrids in microalgae, Scenedesmus sp. The effect of biosynthesis process on growth and lipid profile of cells is key element of this study. Ag/AgCl nanohybrids synthesized intracellularly were characterized by UV-Vis spectrophotometer, Powder X-Ray Diffraction (P-XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM). 10-20 nm and 10-50 nm sized spherical shaped nanoparticles of polycrystalline nature were grown using 0.5 and 1 mM of AgNO₃ precursor, respectively and Scenedesmus sp. as reducing agent. Total lipid content of the cells treated with 0.5 mM and 1 mM AgNO₃ was static and found to be 43.2 ± 0.01 μg/mL and 48.2 ± 0.02 μg/mL respectively at 120 h of Ag/AgCl nanoparticles biosynthesis. FAME (Fatty Acid Methyl Ester) profile was improved due to intracellular nanoparticles biosynthesis with maximum C16:0 (palmitic acid) (35.7%) in cells treated with 0.5 mM AgNO₃ used for Ag/AgCl nanohybrids synthesis. Palmitic acid in cells exposed to 0.5 mM concentration of metallic precursor increased by 75.86%. Synthesized nanoparticles were tested on four bacterial strains to establish its antibacterial efficiency showing appropriate zone of inhibition at varying concentrations. Present study efficiently demonstrates the utility of microalgae integrating nanoparticles biosynthesis and lipid accumulation.

Recent Advances in Super Broad Infrared Luminescence Bismuth-Doped Crystals

Bismuth (Bi)-doped materials are capable of exhibiting broadband near-infrared (NIR) luminescence in 1,000-1,700 nm; driven by the potential use in lasers and broadband optical amplifiers for modern fiber communication systems, Bi-activated NIR luminescencent glasses and related devices have attracted much attention. Compared with glass systems, Bi-doped crystals as gain media usually have more regular crystal structures to produce stronger NIR signals, and developing such materials is highly desirable. Regarding the recent advances in Bi-doped NIR crystals, here, for the first time, we summarized such crystals listed as two main categories of halogen and oxide compounds. Then, by comparing the substitution site, coordination environment, emission and excitation luminescence peaks, emitting center species, and decay times of these known Bibased NIR crystals, discussion on how to design Bi-doped NIR crystals is included. Finally, the key challenges and perspectives of Bi-doped NIR crystals are also presented. It is hoped that this review could offer inspiration for the further development of Bi-doped NIR luminescent crystals and exploit its potential applications.

Green synthesis of Ag@AgCl/Elaeagnus angustifolia seed nanocomposite using Elaeagnus angustifolia leaves: an amazing nanophotocatalyst with highly photocatalytic activity under sunlight irradiation

In this investigation, Ag@AgCl nanoparticles were synthesized by a green and inexpensive method using Elaeagnus angustifolia leaves, as a reducing and stabilizing agent without using any toxic solvent, external halide source, harsh chemicals, or capping agents. In this protocol, the nanophotocatalyst was synthesized via immobilization of Ag@AgCl NPs on the surface of biowaste Elaeagnus angustifolia seed (EAS) as a green support, which prevents the agglomeration Ag@AgCl NPs and improves the catalytic activity. The biosynthesized nanophotocatalyst were characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy, Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and transform electron microscopy (TEM) and inductively couple plasma mass spectrometry (ICP). In order to investigate the photocatalytic activity of the biosynthesized nanophotocatalyst, it was used in the degradation of methylene blue (MB) under sunlight. The results showed that nanophotocatalyst had an excellent photo activity without any agglomeration. In addition, the nanophotocatalyst can be easily be recycled and reused several times without losing its activity. Graphical abstract.