Zerovalent copper nanoparticles (Cu 0 ) of 12 nm size were synthesized using an inert gas condensation method in which bulk copper metal was evaporated into an inert environment of argon with subsequent cooling for nucleation and growth of nanoparticles. Crystalline structure, morphology and estimation of size of nanoparticles were carried out by X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. The antibacterial activity of these nanoparticles against the Gram-negative bacterium Escherichia coli was assessed in liquid as well as solid growth media. It was observed from scanning electron microscopic analysis that the interaction of copper nanoparticles with E. coli resulted in the formation of cavities/pits in the bacterial cell wall. The antibacterial property of copper nanoparticles was attributed mainly to adhesion with bacteria because of their opposite electrical charges, resulting in a reduction reaction at the bacterial cell wall. Nanoparticles with a larger surface-to-volume ratio provide more efficient means for antibacterial activity.

Silver has been known to exhibit strong cytotoxicity towards a broad range of micro-organisms. Silver composites with a tailored slow silver-release rate are currently being investigated for various applications. [1] Silver has an oligodynamic effect, that is, silver ions are capable of causing a bacteriostatic (growth inhibition) or even a bactericidal (antibacterial) impact. Nanometer-sized inorganic particles and composites display unique physical and chemical properties and represent a unique class of materials in the development of novel devices, which can be used in numerous physical, biological, biomedical, and pharmaceutical applications. [2] Silver composites have applications in many industries, such as aerospace, surface coatings (e.g., in refrigerators, food processing, kitchen furniture), and for use in hospitals. Research indicates that silver is also effective in purification systems for disinfecting water or air. [3][4][5][6] However, in order to make the use of silver economical, there is a need to find cheaper ways of using silver in potential applications without jeopardizing its functionalities.The bactericidal behavior of silver nanoparticles is attributed to the presence of electronic effects, which are a result of the changes in the local electronic structure of the surfaces of the smaller-sized particles. These effects are considered to be contributing towards an enhancement of the reactivity of silver-nanoparticle surfaces. It has been reported that ionic silver strongly interacts with thiol groups of vital enzymes and inactivates them. It has been suggested

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Plant-growth-promoting bacteria show promises in crop production; nevertheless, innovation in their stable delivery is required for practical use by farmers. Herein, the composite of poly­(vinyl alcohol)/poly­(vinylpyrrolidone) plasticized with glycerol and loaded with the microbial consortium (Bacillus subtilis plus Seratia marcescens) was fabricated and engineered onto canola (Brassica napus L.) seed via electrospinning. Scanning electron microscopy showed that the biocomposite is a one-dimensional membrane, which encapsulated microbes in a multilayered nanostructure, and their interfacial behavior between microorganism and seed is beneficial for safer farming. A universal testing machine and thermogravimetric analysis demonstrated that the biocomposite holds sufficient thermomechanical properties for stable handling and practical management. A spectroscopic study resolved the living hybrid–polymer structure of the biocomposite and proved the plasticizing role of glycerol. A swelling study supports the degradation of the biocomposite in the hydrophilic environment as a result of the leaching of the plasticizer, which is important for the sustained release of microbial cells. A shelf life study supported that the biocomposite seed coat placed a threshold level of microbes [5.675 ± 0.48 log10 colony forming units (CFU)/seed] and maintained their satisfactory viability for 15 days at room temperature. An antifungal and nutrient-solubilizing study supported that the biocomposite seed coat could provide opportunities to biocontrol diseases and improve nutrient acquisition by the plant. A pot study documents the better performance of the biocomposite seed coat on seed germination, seedling growth, leaf area, plant dry biomass, and root system. A chemical and microbial study demonstrated that the biocomposite seed coat improved the effectiveness of the bioinoculant in the root–soil interface, where they survive, flourish, and increase the nutrient pool status. In particular, this study presents advances in the fabrication of the biocomposite for encapsulation, preservation, sustained release, and efficacious use of microorganisms onto seeds for precision farming.

Silver nanoparticles were synthesized by an inert gas condensation method using flowing helium in the process chamber. Nucleation, growth mechanism, and the kinetics of nanoparticle formation in vapor phase are studied. Effect of process parameters, such as evaporation temperature and inert gas pressure, on the particle crystallinity, morphology, and size distribution are examined. Particles were synthesized at evaporation temperatures of 1123, 1273, and 1423 K and at helium pressures of 0.5, 1, 5, 50, and 100 Torr. Synthesized silver nanoparticles were characterized by x-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The particle size ranged from 9 to 32 nm, depending on the growth conditions. At lower evaporation temperature and inert gas pressure, smaller particles with spherical shape showing less agglomeration are formed. Based on the experimental results and theoretical model of surface free energy and undercooling as a function of evaporation temperature and inert gas pressure, particle formation is analyzed. A simple operating map for nanoparticle synthesis is presented. The theoretical model is well supported by the experimental data.

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