Silver Nanoparticles taking on the World!
Silver Nudges Bacteria to Produce More Electricity
When certain bacteria break down organic wastes, like those found in wastewater, small amounts of electricity are produced. For example, the bacteria Shewanella decomposes organic matter into small molecules, and electrons are produced during this metabolic process.
In essence, the sequence forms a microbial ‘fuel cell’ that generates electricity which can be captured as the bacteria grows as a film on electrodes. However, the amount of electricity produced is not enough to make it a viable source of power — until silver nanoparticles are brought into the picture.
A team of engineers and chemists from the University of California, Los Angeles, discovered that when they added silver nanoparticles to electrodes composed of a type of graphene oxide (a combination of carbon, oxygen and hydrogen), the nanoparticles released silver ions that traveled inside the bacteria’s cells, capturing even more electrons produced by the bacteria.
“Living energy-recovery systems utilizing bacteria found in wastewater offer a one-two punch for environmental sustainability efforts,” said co-corresponding author Yu Huang, a professor and chair of the Materials Science and Engineering Department at the UCLA Samueli School of Engineering, in a prepared statement.
“The natural populations of bacteria can help decontaminate groundwater by breaking down harmful chemical compounds. Now, our research also shows a practical way to harness renewable energy from this process.”
“Adding the silver nanoparticles into the bacteria is like creating a dedicated express lane for electrons, which enabled us to extract more electrons, and at faster speeds,” said Xiangfeng Duan, the study’s other corresponding author and UCLA professor of chemistry and biochemistry.
“The Shewanella-silver microbial fuel cells (MFCs) delivered a maximum current density of 3.85 milliamperes per square centimeter, and a power density of 0.66 milliwatts per square centimeter… which are all considerably higher than those of the best MFCs reported to date,” the team wrote in the journal Science.
“With the addition of silver nanoparticles, the Shewanella film increased electrical output more than 80 percent.” The study was supported by the U.S. Office of Naval Research, and further studies could lead to large-scale electrical generation from organic waste plants, the authors noted.
“Adding the silver nanoparticles into the bacteria is like creating a dedicated express lane for electrons, which enabled us to extract more electrons and at faster speeds” — Xiangfeng Duan To download a copy of the report, please click here
More about Silver Nanoparticles (AgNPs)
Nanoparticles are a new and promising technology that has been revolutionizing the fields of chemistry, physics, and engineering. Silver nanoparticles provide an example of how scientists are able to create applications for this technology.
These nanoparticles consist of metal particles with diameters less than 100 nanometers. Silver nanoparticles have been used as a natural antibacterial agent for centuries. Recently, silver has been shown to have antibacterial properties against drug-resistant bacteria such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).
Silver nanoparticles are one of the latest advances in medical technology. They are an effective way to do a range of things from preventing bacteria from growing to healing wounds. It is important to note that not all silver nanoparticles are created equal. For instance, some can be more toxic than others or they could have a shorter shelf life.
What are the applications of nanoparticles?
Silver nanoparticles are a relatively new and innovative technology which has been shown to have a wide variety of benefits in a number of different fields. In particular, recent studies have shown that silver nanoparticles can be used for water purification, antibacterial purposes, and the control of blood clots.
These three purposes have opened up new avenues in nanotechnology and biomedicine. The use of silver nanoparticles is has been growing steadily in the last few years for both industrial and biomedical purposes. These tiny particles are made of pure silver, which give them their metallic colors.
The size of these particles determines their properties, with smaller particles showing higher reactivity than larger ones. When they are used in medicine, they can be used to destroy bacteria on contact or as an antibiotic coating for medical devices that will not be regenerated after being inserted into the body.
Silver nanoparticles have been used in a variety of applications and industries for over four decades. They are valued for their antimicrobial properties, thermal and electrical conductivity, and low-cost production materials. Silver nanoparticles were the first to be discovered by J. R. Dahn in 1944 and later patented by General Electric in 1970.
How are silver nanoparticles used in dentistry?
Many different types of nanoparticles are used in medicine. One of these particles is silver nanoparticles, which are used for many different purposes including slowing bacterial growth and treating burns. Doctors use nanoparticles every day in the medical fields of imaging, drug delivery, and diagnosis.
Each of these fields has its own specialized nanoparticles for different purposes. Imaging nanoparticles are used to better understand the body’s structure without having to make a large incision or use radioactive or harmful materials. Nanoparticles are microscopic materials that are less than the size of a cell.
They can be used in drug-delivery systems, which is what they’re primarily used for in medicine. Drug delivery nanoparticles are injected into the patient where they release their payload of medicine at targeted areas.
Additional Material on Silver Nanoparticle and its use
Research has shown that silver nanoparticles kill bacteria and viruses by disrupting their cell membranes. Silver particles are so small they can penetrate the cell walls, destroying them from the inside out. This property makes silver nanoparticles an effective antibacterial agent.
Furthermore, it is not affected by changes in pH or temperature, making it very easy to maintain its efficacy. A new type of treatment for tumors and heart disease has been developed that uses nanotechnology. Silver nanoparticles are composed of silver ions and water molecules.
This new technology is a potential breakthrough for the future of medicine as it has the ability to attack cancer cells with less side-effects than treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation. The nanoparticles enter the bloodstream, eventually reaching tumor cells and passing through their cell walls without harming any healthy cells around them.
Silver nanoparticles have been used for centuries, first by the Greeks and Egyptians as a way to purify drinking water and disinfect wounds. But more recently, these tiny silver particles have been gaining attention for their ability to kill bacteria without damaging the environment.
Unlike antibiotics, which could develop resistance with continued use, silver is believed to be able to act as an antibiotic against bacteria without any risk of the bacteria developing immunity.
**Disclaimer not medical advice** See Also
Silvers Role in Global Connectivity Silver Nanoparticles
Spencer Campbell
Director SE Asia Consulting - Precious Metals Consultant
