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Already renowned for human health benefits, green tea could have a new role — along with other natural plant-based substances — in a healthier, more sustainable production of the most widely used family of nanoparticles.

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Abstract:
Already renowned for its beneficial effects on human health, green tea could have a new role — along with other natural plant-based substances — in a healthier, more sustainable production of the most widely used family of nanoparticles, scientists say. Published in ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering, their Perspective article concludes that greener methods for making silver nanoparticles are becoming available.

Greener methods for making popular nanoparticle

Washington, DC | Posted on April 24th, 2013

Rajender Varma, Mallikarjuna Nadagouda and colleagues explain that silver nanoparticles are used in a host of products, especially for their ability to kill bacteria and ward off undesirable odors. Those products include antibacterial socks, undergarments and other clothing. Existing processes for making silver nanoparticles require potentially hazardous substances, use a lot of energy and leave behind undesirable byproducts that require special handling. With production expected to increase, scientists are seeking greener ways to make silver nanoparticles.

The article describes how extracts from plants — such as green tea plants, sunflowers, coffee, fruit and peppers — have emerged as possible substitutes that can replace toxic substances normally used to make the nanoparticles. In addition, extracts from bacteria and fungi, as well as natural polymers, like starches, could serve as substitutes. "These newer techniques for greener AgNP synthesis using biorenewable materials appear promising as they do not have any toxic materials deployed during the production process," the scientists say.

The authors acknowledge funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

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About American Chemical Society (ACS)
The American Chemical Society is a nonprofit organization chartered by the U.S. Congress. With more than 163,000 members, ACS is the world’s largest scientific society and a global leader in providing access to chemistry-related research through its multiple databases, peer-reviewed journals and scientific conferences. Its main offices are in Washington, D.C., and Columbus, Ohio.

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Contacts:
Rajender Varma, Ph.D.
Sustainable Technology Division
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
National Risk Management Research Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
MS 443
Cincinnati, Ohio 45268

or
Mallikarjuna Nadagouda, Ph.D.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
WSWRD, TTEB
National Risk Management Research Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, Ohio 45268

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Michael Woods, editor

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