Synthesis of silver nanoparticles by solar irradiation of cell-free Bacillus amyloliquefaciens extracts and AgNO3

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were obtained by solar irradiation of cell-free extracts of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens and AgNO₃. Light intensity, extract concentration, and NaCl addition influenced the synthesis of AgNPs. Under optimized conditions (solar intensity 70,000 lx, extract concentration 3 mg/mL, and NaCl content 2 mM), 98.23 ± 0.06% of the Ag⁺ (1 mM) was reduced to AgNPs within 80 min, and the ζ-potential of AgNPs reached −70.84 ± 0.66 mV. TEM (Transmission electron microscopy) and XRD (X-ray diffraction) analysis confirmed that circular and triangular crystalline AgNPs with mean diameter of 14.6 nm were synthesized. Since heat-inactivated extracts also mediated the formation of AgNPs, enzymatic reactions are likely not involved in AgNPs formation. A high absolute ζ-potential value of the AgNPs, possibly caused by interaction with proteins likely explains the high stability of AgNPs suspensions. AgNPs showed antimicrobial activity against Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli in liquid and solid medium.     

Aggregation behavior of N-carboxyethylchitosan in aqueous solution: effects of pH, polymer concentration, and presence of a gemini surfactant

A kind of biocompatible derivative of chitosan, N-carboxyethylchitosan (CECh) with a degree of substitution of 0.21 (DS 0.21) was synthesized by a Michael addition reaction. The aggregation behavior of CECh in aqueous solution under the effects of pH, polymer concentration, as well as a gemini surfactant, was investigated by turbidity, zeta potential, fluorescence spectroscopy, viscosity, and surface tension measurements. In the pH range of 3-11, the macroscopic phase separation of CECh from water occurs near the isoelectric point (IEP) due to the intense electrostatic attraction, and the intermolecular interaction at pH 4 is stronger than that at pH 10 over the whole CECh concentration region. The critical aggregation concentration (CAC) of CECh/12-n-12 (n = 3, 6) in basic media is determined to be between 0.0010 and 0.0015 mmol/L, and the length of the surfactant spacer is found to play an important role in the interaction of 12-n-12 with CECh.     

Syntheses and structures of some adducts of silver(I) oxyanion salts with some 2-N,O-donor-substituted pyridine bases

Syntheses and room-temperature single crystal X-ray structural characterizations are recorded for a variety of silver(I) oxyanion (perchlorate, nitrate and trifluoroacetate (‘tfa’) (increasing basicity)) adducts, AgX, with a number of pyridine (‘py’) bases, L, functionalized in the 2-position with N- or O-donor groups, namely 2-amino-, 2-amino-6-methyl-, 2-aminomethyl-, 2-hydroxy-, 2-methoxy- and 2-acetyl- pyridines, ‘2np’, ‘nmp’, ‘amp’, ‘ohp’, ‘mop’, and ‘acp’. A variety of stoichiometries and associated structural types are defined: [Ag(chelate)₂]X, L/X = amp,acp/ClO₄, [XAg(chelate)₂], L/X = acp/tfa, of 1:2 AgX:L stoichiometry; for 1:1 stoichiometry, although a discrete mononuclear complex [(chelate)Ag(O₂NO)] is defined for AgNO₃: acp (1:1), all others are polymers, successive silver atoms being linked by N,N′-bridging ligands singly (L/X = 2np/ClO₄ (?HAgHTAgTHAgH?), amp/ClO₄, NO₃ (?HTAgHTAg?) (‘H’ ≡ head, ‘T’ = tail)) or pairwise, ?L₂AgX₂AgL₂Ag? (L/X = 2np/tfa, nmp/NO₃). More complex polymeric arrays are found with L/X = ohp/NO₃, tfa, where interaction with the metal takes place via the O-donor only, the py functionality being protonated, and in adducts of more complex stoichiometry AgNO₃:mop (2:3) and AgNO₃:2np (3:4).     

Structural characterizations of some adducts of silver(I) nitrate and perchlorate with some cyclic di- (or tri-) ene organic ligands

Single crystal X-ray structural characterizations of some adducts of silver(I) nitrate and perchlorate with assorted organic poly-ene ligands (nbd = norbornadiene, bicyclo[2.2.1]hepta-2,5-diene; cod = 1,5-cyclooctadiene; cdt ≡ trans,trans,cis-cyclododeca-1,5,9-triene) are reported, all being polymeric in form (with the exception of mononuclear ionic AgClO₄:cod (1:2)), with chains comprised of alternating silver and nitrate/perchlorate components substituted or linked by unsaturated donors which complete the coordination spheres of the silver atoms. In AgNO₃:nbd (2:1) (a redetermination), pairs of silver/nitrate strands are linked in a one-dimensional polymer by the nbd ligands. In AgNO₃:nbd (1:1)_∞, meandering silver/nitrate strands containing pairs of independent silver and nitrate units in a crystallographic mirror plane are linked to either side with parallel planes by nbd ligands. In AgNO₃:cod (1:1)_∞, the cod ligands ‘chelate’ to the silver atoms in a silver/nitrate chain. In AgNO₃:cdt (1:2)_∞, pairs of ‘unidentate’ cdt ligands are pendant from a silver/nitrate chain, while in the (1:1)_∞ adduct, the cdt ligands bridge pairs of silver atoms from an adjacent chain forming a two-dimensional web. A common form of the bridging nitrate group in the above is as an O,O′-NO₃-O′,O″ bis-chelate, the pair of the bis-oxygen chelates having a common oxygen atom.     

Comparative study of antifungal activity of two preparations of green silver nanoparticles from Portulaca oleracea extract

The green silver nanoparticles (green AgNPs) exhibit an exceptional antimicrobial property against different microbes, including bacteria and fungi. The current study aimed to compare the antifungal activities of both the crude aqueous extract of Portulaca oleracea or different preparations of green AgNPs biosynthesized by mixing that aqueous extract with silver nitrate (AgNO₃). Two preparations of the green AgNPs were synthesized either by mixing the aqueous extract of P. oleracea with silver nitrate (AgNO₃) (normal AgNPs) or either irradiation of the AgNPs, previously prepared, under ⁶⁰Co γ-ray using chitosan (gamma-irradiated AgNPs). Characterization of different AgNPs were tested by Zeta potential analyzer, Ultraviolet (UV) Visible Spectroscopy, and Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectrometry. Three different plant pathogenic fungi were tested, Curvularia spicifera, Macrophomina phaseolina, and Bipolaris sp. The antifungal activities were evaluated by Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) for either the crude aqueous extract of P. oleracea at three doses (25%, 50%, and 100%) or the newly biosynthesized AgNPs, normal or gamma-irradiated. With a few exceptions, the comparative analysis revealed that the irradiated green AgNPs at all three concentrations showed a relatively stronger antifungal effect than the normal AgNPs against all the three selected fungal strains. UV–visible spectroscopy of both preparations showed surface plasmon resonance at 421 nm. TEM results showed that both AgNPs were aggregated and characterized by a unique spherical shape, however, the gamma-irradiated AgNPs were smaller than the non-irradiated AgNPs (0.007–0.026 µM vs. 0.009–0.086 µM). TEM photographs of the fungal strains treated with the two AgNPs preparations showed flaccid structures, condensed hyphae, and shrunken surface compared with control cells. The data suggested that the biosynthesized P. oleracea AgNPs have antifungal properties against C. spicifera, M. phaseolina, and Bipolaris sp. These AgNPs may be considered a fungicide to protect different plants against phytopathogenic fungi.     

Primary production,respiration and calcification of the temperate free-living coralline alga Lithothamnion corallioides

Calcification and primary production responses to irradiance in the temperate coralline alga Lithothamnion corallioides were measured in summer 2004 and winter 2005 in the Bay of Brest. Coralline algae were incubated in dark and clear bottles exposed to different irradiances. Net primary production reached 1.5 μmol C g⁻¹ dry wt h⁻¹ in August and was twice as high as in January–February. Dark respiration showed significant seasonal variations, being three-fold higher in summer. Maximum calcification varied from 0.6 μmol g⁻¹ dry wt h⁻¹ in summer 2004 to 0.4 μmol g⁻¹ dry wt h⁻¹ in winter 2005. According to P–E curves and the daily course of irradiance, estimated daily net production and calcification reached 131 μg C g⁻¹ dry wt and 970 μg CaCO₃ g⁻¹ dry wt in summer 2004, and 36 μg C g⁻¹ dry wt and 336 μg CaCO₃ g⁻¹ dry wt in winter 2005. The net primary production of natural L. corallioides populations in shallow waters was estimated at 10–600 g C m⁻² y⁻¹, depending on depth and algal biomass. The mean annual calcification of L. corallioides populations varied from 300 to 3000 g CaCO₃ m⁻². These results are similar to those reported for tropical coralline algae in terms of carbon and carbonate productivity. Therefore, L. corallioides can be considered as a key element of carbon and carbonate cycles in the shallow coastal waters where they live.     

Application of statistical experimental design for optimization of silver nanoparticles biosynthesis by a nanofactory Streptomyces viridochromogenes

Central composite design was chosen to determine the combined effects of four process variables (AgNO₃ concentration, incubation period, pH level and inoculum size) on the extracellular biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) by Streptomyces viridochromogenes. Statistical analysis of the results showed that incubation period, initial pH level and inoculum size had significant effects (P<0.05) on the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles at their individual level. The maximum biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles was achieved at a concentration of 0.5% (v/v) of 1 mM AgNO₃, incubation period of 96 h, initial pH of 9 and inoculum size of 2% (v/v). After optimization, the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles was improved by approximately 5-fold as compared to that of the unoptimized conditions. The synthetic process of silver nanoparticle generation using the reduction of aqueous Ag+ ion by the culture supernatants of S. viridochromogenes was quite fast, and silver nanoparticles were formed immediately by the addition of AgNO₃ solution (1 mM) to the cell-free supernatant. Initial characterization of silver nanoparticles was performed by visual observation of color change from yellow to intense brown color. UV-visible spectrophotometry for measuring surface plasmon resonance showed a single absorption peak at 400 nm, which confirmed the presence of silver nanoparticles. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy analysis provided evidence for proteins as possible reducing and capping agents for stabilizing the nanoparticles. Transmission Electron Microscopy revealed the extracellular formation of spherical silver nanoparticles in the size range of 2.15–7.27 nm. Compared to the cell-free supernatant, the biosynthesized AgNPs revealed superior antimicrobial activity against Gram-negative, Gram-positive bacterial strains and Candida albicans.     

Short-term exposure to waterborne free silver has acute effects on membrane current of Xenopus oocytes

Waterborne free silver can cause osmo- and ionoregulatory disturbances in freshwater organisms. The effects of a short-term exposure to extracellular Ag⁺ ions on membrane currents were investigated in voltage-clamped defolliculated Xenopus oocytes. At a holding potential of − 60 mV, ionic silver (1 μM Ag⁺) increased inward currents (=I_Ag) from − 8 ± 2 nA to − 665 ± 41 nA (n = 74; N = 27). I_Ag activated within 2 min of silver exposure and then rose impetuously. This current was largely reversible by washout and repeatable. I_Ag reversed around − 30 mV and rectified slightly at more positive potentials. Na⁺-free bath conditions reduced the silver-induced current to a smaller but sustained current. The response to silver was abolished by the Cl⁻ channel blockers DIDS and SITS, whereas niflumic acid strongly potentiated I_Ag. Intraoocyte injection of AgNO₃ to about 1 mM [Ag]_i strongly potentiated I_Ag. Extracellular application of either dithiothreitol (DTT), a compound known to reduce disulfide bridges, or l-cysteine abolished Ag⁺-activated increase of membrane current. In contrast, n-ethylmaleimide (NEM) which oxidizes SH-groups potentiated I_Ag. Hypoosmotic bath solution significantly increased I_Ag whereas hyperosmolar conditions attenuated I_Ag. The activation of I_Ag was largely preserved after chelation of cytosolic Ca²⁺ ions with BAPTA/AM. Taken together, these data suggest that Xenopus oocytes are sensitive to short-term exposure to waterborne Ag⁺ ions and that the elicited membrane currents result from extra- and intracellular action of Ag⁺ ions on peptide moieties at the oocyte membrane but may also affect conductances after internalization.     

Syntheses, structures and vibrational spectroscopy of some 1:1 and 1:2 adducts of silver(I) oxyanion salts with 2,2′-bis(pyridine) chelates

Syntheses and room-temperature single-crystal X-ray structure determinations are recorded for a number of adducts of 1:1 stoichiometry of silver(I) oxyanion salts (perchlorate, nitrate, trifluoroacetate (‘tfa’) (increasing basicity)) with 2,2′-bis(pyridine) ligands (2,2′-bipyridyl, ‘bpy’; 2,2′-biquinolyl, ‘bq’; 2,2′-dipyridylketone, ‘dpk’; 2,9-dimethylphenanthroline, ‘dmp’). The adducts take two forms: (a) neutral mononuclear molecules, in which the 2,2′-bis(pyridine) ligand behaves as a chelate, with the silver coordination number dependent on the denticity of the anion; these are Agtfa:bpy (1:1) and AgClO₄:bq (1:1) (and various (ionic) acetonitrile or pyridine solvates AgClO₄:bq/dmp:MeCN/py (1:1:1), in which the solvent molecules are coordinated); and (b) one-dimensional polymers. The latter are diverse: in AgClO₄:bpy, dpk (1:1), the anion is discrete, the polymer made up of an array of two-coordinate silver atoms linked by bpy ligands twisted about their central connecting element. In AgNO₃:bpy, bq (1:1), the bpy ligands are chelating with the oxyanions bridging, cf. previously reported AgNO₃:dpk (1:1), in which the nitrate chelates the metal, with the dpk bridging, chelating N,O to one silver, while the other nitrogen bridges to the next. With Agtfa, a novel binuclear adduct has been isolated in conjunction with the hydrated ligand, Agtfa:dpk:(dpk · H₂O) (1:1:2). The far-IR spectra of several of these complexes show bands that can be assigned to the ν(AgN) modes, the positions of these bands correlating well with the relative Ag-N bond lengths.Syntheses and single-crystal X-ray structural characterizations are also reported for various adducts of silver(I) perchlorate, nitrate and trifluoromethanesulfonate with bpy, bq, ‘phen’ (= 1,10-phenanthroline), and ‘dmp’, of stoichiometry AgX:L (1:2). In each case the complex is ionic [AgL₂]X; the silver atom is four-coordinate, but diverse and remarkable variations in stereochemistries associated with changes in the interligand N-Ag-N angles, presumably influenced by the different packing arrangements, are observed.     

Hydrothermal synthesis of bacterial cellulose/AgNPs composite: A “green” route for antibacterial application

Antibacterial materials based on cellulose have been widely used in many fields. In this work, an environmentally benign and facile approach for production of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) was proposed for the first time by hydrothermal synthesis using bacterial cellulose (BC) as both the reducing and stabilizing agent, without any chemical reagents introduced. Some key reaction parameters were optimized to achieve a high antibacterial activity of the BC/AgNPs composite. Under the optimal conditions, a small size and a narrow distribution of AgNPs, 17.1 ± 5.9 nm, was formed on the BC matrix, with a silver content of 1.78% (w/w) and a MIC value of 1.30 × 10⁻⁴ μg/CFU. Moreover, a sustained release of silver and a prolonged antibacterial performance of the composite against Staphylococcus aureus were found over a long period time of 72 h, which were important for practical applications.     

An improved bioprocess for synthesis of acetohydroxamic acid using DTT (dithiothreitol) treated resting cells of Bacillus sp. APB-6

Acyltransferase activity of amidase from Bacillus sp. APB-6 was enhanced (24 U) by multiple feedings of N-methylacetamide (70 mM) into the production medium. Hyperinduced whole resting cells of Bacillus sp. APB-6 corresponding to 4 g/L (dry cell weight), when treated with 10 mM DTT (dithiothreitol) resulted in 93% molar conversion of acetamide (300 mM) to acetohydroxamic acid in presence of hydroxylamine-HCl (800 mM) after 30 min at 45 °C in a 1 L reaction mixture. After lyophilization, a 62 g powder containing 34% (wt wt⁻¹) acetohydroxamic acid was recovered. This is the first report where DTT has been used to enhance acyltransfer reaction and such high molar conversion (%) of amide to hydroxamates was recorded at 1 L scale.     

Synthesis and structural characterization of adducts of silver(I) nitrate with ER3 (E = P, As, Sb; R = Ph, cy, o-tolyl, mes) and oligodentate aromatic bases derivative of 2,2′-bipyridyl, L, AgNO3:ER3:L (1:1:1)

Twenty-one adducts of the form AgNO₃:ER₃:L (1:1:1) (E = P, As, Sb; R = Ph, cy, o-tolyl, mes; L = 2,2′-bipyridyl (‘bpy’)-based ligand), together with AgNO₃:Pcy₃:tpy (2:2:1) and AgNO₃:PPh₃:tpy (1:2:1) (‘tpy’ ≡ (2,2′:6,2″-terpyridine)), have been synthesized and characterized by analytical, spectroscopic (IR, far-IR, ¹H and ³¹P NMR) and single crystal X-ray diffraction studies. The resulting complexes are predominantly of the form , with trigonal EAgN₂ coordination environments, the planarity of which is perturbed by the approach of the nitrate anion. The nitrate ion shows uni- or (semi-)bidentate coordination, excepting the complex AgNO₃:P(o-tol)₃:dpca (1:1:1) (dpca = bis(2-picolyl)amine) where the anion is uncoordinated, the donor dpca being a pincer-tridentate. The complex AgNO₃:Pcy₃:tpy (2:2:1), also reported, is dinuclear with a bridging unidentate nitrate and a terpyridine, the latter bridging through its central ring, with the peripheral rings forming chelates to either side, whereas the complex AgNO₃:PPh₃:tpy (1:2:1) is ionic with a five-coordinate silver, bonded to tridentate tpy and two phosphines.     

Phytotoxic and genotoxic effects of silver nanoparticles exposure on germinating wheat seedlings

We investigated the effects of 1 and 10 mg L⁻¹ AgNPs on germinating Triticum aestivum L. seedlings. The exposure to 10 mg L⁻¹ AgNPs adversely affected the seedling growth and induced morphological modifications in root tip cells. TEM analysis suggests that the observed effects were due primarily to the release of Ag ions from AgNPs.     

Structure-property relationships: Polymorphism, solvates, and clay behavior in the one-dimensional coordination polymer chains [Ag(L)(NO3)](H2O)n, L = ethanediyl bis(isonicotinate), n = 0, and 2

The system AgNO₃ and L (L = ethanediyl bis(isonicotinate)) yielded so far five different compounds from a THF/H₂O mixture (or acetonitrile) when reacted in a ratio 1:1. Three solvent-free compounds possess the same chemical composition, [Ag(L)NO₃], but different structures and thus different properties. Additionally, two solvates [Ag(L)NO₃] · nH₂O with one or two water molecules have been identified. One of the solvates can be reversibly transformed into one of the solvent free compounds. This clay-like property depends strongly on the structure observed in the solid state, namely on the coordinating function of the nitrate ions with respect to silver cations.     

Simultaneous production of 3-hydroxypropionic acid and 1,3-propanediol from glycerol by a recombinant strain of Klebsiella pneumoniae

In this study, an aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) was over-expressed in Klebsiella pneumoniae for simultaneous production of 3-hydroxypropionic acid (3-HP) and 1,3-propanediol (1,3-PDO). Various genes encoding ALDH were cloned and expressed in K. pneumoniae, and expression of Escherichia colialdH resulted in the highest 3-HP titer in anaerobic cultures in shake flasks. Anaerobic fed-batch culture of this recombinant strain was further performed in a 5-L reactor. The 3-HP concentration and yield reached 24.4 g/L and 0.18 mol/mol glycerol, respectively, and at the same time 1,3-PDO achieved 49.3 g/L with a yield of 0.43 mol/mol in 24 h. The overall yield of 3-HP plus 1,3-PDO was 0.61 mol/mol. Over-expression of the E. coli AldH also reduced the yields of by-products except for lactate. This study demonstrated the possibility of simultaneous production of 3-HP and 1,3-PDO by K. pneumoniae under anaerobic conditions without supply of vitamin B₁₂.     

Antifungal potentiality of mycogenic silver nanoparticles capped with chitosan produced by endophytic Amesia atrobrunnea

This research reports the fabrication of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from endophytic fungus, Amesia atrobrunnea isolated from Ziziphus spina-christi (L.). Influencing factors for instance, thermal degree of incubation, media, pH, and silver nitrate (AgNO₃) molarity were optimized. Then, the AgNPs were encapsulated with chitosan (Ch-AgNPs) under microwave heating at 650 W for 90 s. Characterization of nanoparticles was performed via UV–visible (UV–vis) spectrophotometer, Fourier-transform infrared spectrophotometer (FTIR), zeta potential using dynamic-light scattering (DLS), and field-emission-scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM). Anti-fungal activity of Ch-AgNPs at (50, 25, 12.5, 6.25 mg/L) was tested against Fusarium oxysporum, Curvularia lunata, and Aspergillus niger using the mycelial growth inhibition method (MGI). Results indicated that Czapek-dox broth (CDB) with 1 mM AgNO₃, an acidic pH, and a temperature of 25–30 °C were the optimum for AgNPs synthesis. (UV–vis) showed the highest peak at 435 nm, whereas Ch-AgNPs showed one peak for AgNPs at 405 nm and another peak for chitosan at 230 nm. FTIR analysis confirmed that the capping agent chitosan was successfully incorporated and interacted with the AgNPs through amide functionalities. Z-potential was −19.7 mV for AgNPs and 38.9 mV for Ch-AgNPs, which confirmed the significant stability enhancement after capping. FES-SEM showed spherical AgNPs and a reduction in the nanoparticle size to 44.65 nm after capping with chitosan. The highest mycelial growth reduction using fabricated Ch-AgNPs was 93% for C. lunata followed by 77% for A. niger and 66% F. oxysporum at (50 mg/L). Biosynthesis of AgNPs using A. atrobrunnea cell-free extract was successful. Capping with chitosan exhibited antifungal activity against fungal pathogens.     

Optimization of microwave-assisted FeCl3 pretreatment conditions of rice straw and utilization of Trichoderma viride and Bacillus pumilus for production of reducing sugars

In this study, Box-Behnken design (BBD) and response surface methodology (RSM) were used to optimize microwave-assisted FeCl₃ pretreatment conditions of rice straw with respect to FeCl₃ concentration, microwave intensity, irradiation time and substrate concentration. When rice straw was pretreated at the optimal conditions of FeCl₃ concentration, 0.14 mol/L; microwave intensity, 160 °C; irradiation time, 19 min; substrate concentration, 109 g/L; and inoculated with Trichoderma viride and Bacillus pumilus, the production of reducing sugars was 6.62 g/L. This yield was 2.9 times higher than that obtained with untreated rice straw. The microorganisms degraded 37.8% of pretreated rice straw after 72 h. The structural characteristic analyses suggest that microwave-assisted FeCl₃ pretreatment damaged the silicified waxy surface of rice straw, disrupted almost all the ether linkages between lignin and carbohydrates, and removed lignin.     

Extracellular biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles using Rhizopus stolonifer

Synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) has become a necessary field of applied science. Biological method for synthesis of AgNPs by Rhizopus stolonifer aqueous mycelial extract was used. The AgNPs were identified by UV–visible spectrometry, X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FT-IR). The presence of surface plasmon band around 420 nm indicates AgNPs formation. The characteristic of the AgNPs within the face-centered cubic (fcc) structure are indicated by the peaks of the X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern corresponding to (1 1 1), (2 0 0) and (2 2 0) planes. Spherical, mono-dispersed and stable AgNPs with diameter around 9.47 nm were prepared and affirmed by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM). Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) shows peaks at 1426 and 1684 cm⁻¹ that affirm the presence of coat covering protein the AgNPs which is known as capping proteins. Parameter optimization showed the smallest size of AgNPs (2.86 ± 0.3 nm) was obtained with 10⁻² M AgNO₃ at 40 °C. The present study provides the proof that the molecules within aqueous mycelial extract of R. stolonifer facilitate synthesis of AgNPs and highlight on value-added from R. stolonifer for cost effectiveness. Also, eco-friendly medical and nanotechnology-based industries could also be provided. Size of prepared AgNPs could be controlled by temperature and AgNO₃ concentration. Further studies are required to study effect of more parameters on size and morphology of AgNPs as this will help in the control of large scale production of biogenic AgNPs.     

Characterization of cellulolytic enzymes and bioH2 production from anaerobic thermophilic Clostridium sp. TCW1

A thermophilic anaerobic bacterium Clostridium sp. TCW1 was isolated from dairy cow dung and was used to produce hydrogen from cellulosic feedstock. Extracellular cellulolytic enzymes produced from TCW1 strain were identified as endoglucanases (45, 53 and 70 kDa), exoglucanase (70 kDa), xylanases (53 and 60 kDa), and β-glucosidase (45 kDa). The endoglucanase and xylanase were more abundant. The optimal conditions for H₂ production and enzyme production of the TCW1 strain were the same (60 °C, initial pH 7, agitation rate of 200 rpm). Ten cellulosic feedstock, including pure or natural cellulosic materials, were used as feedstock for hydrogen production by Clostridium strain TCW1 under optimal culture conditions. Using filter paper at 5.0 g/L resulted in the most effective hydrogen production performance, achieving a H₂ production rate and yield of 57.7 ml/h/L and 2.03 mol H₂/mol hexose, respectively. Production of cellulolytic enzyme activities was positively correlated with the efficiency of dark-H₂ fermentation.     

Silver(I) poly(1,2,3-benzotriazolyl)borate complexes containing mono- and bidentate phosphine coligands

New silver(I) derivatives [Ag{H_nB(btz)_4 − n}(PR₃)_x] (n = 1 or 2, x ranging from 1 to 3), containing monodentate tertiary phosphines and anionic poly(benzotriazol-1-yl)borates, have been prepared from the reaction of AgNO₃ with PR₃ (R = Ph, o-tolyl, m-tolyl, p-tolyl, Bns) and K[H₂B(btz)₂], or K[HB(btz)₃] (Hbtz = 1,2,3-benzotriazole). When the reaction between K[H₂B(btz)₂] and AgNO₃ was carried out in the presence of dppe (1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane), or dppf (1,1′-bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene), compounds [Ag{H₂B(btz)₂}]₂(L) (L = dppe or dppf) formed, the diphosphine acting as a bidentate bridging P₂-donor. Solid state and solution properties of all complexes have been investigated through analytical and spectroscopic measurements (IR, ¹H, ³¹P NMR), the ¹H and ³¹P NMR spectra being interpreted in terms of equilibria that involve mono- and di-nuclear complexes. Adducts [Ag{HB(btz)₃}(PPh₃)₃] · (1/2H₂O) and [Ag{H₂B(btz)₂}]₂ (dppf) have been characterised by single crystal X-ray studies. In the former, the HB(btz)₃ is unidentate in an NAgP₃ coordination environment; the latter is a dimer, the dppf bridging the two silver atoms, while the H₂B(btz)₂ ligand, which chelates one silver, bridges to the second also, the array having 2-symmetry.