title: Anti-fungal activity of SiO2/Ag2S nanocomposites against Aspergillus niger.
abstract: Submicron particles of amorphous SiO(2) have been used to grow Ag(2)S nanophases at their surfaces. SEM and TEM analysis showed morphological well-defined nanocomposite particles consisting of Ag(2)S nanocrystals dispersed over the silica surfaces. These SiO(2)/Ag(2)S nanocomposites were investigated as anti-fungal agents against Aspergillus niger in different experimental conditions, including as nanofillers in cellulosic fibres. The anti-fungal activity in these composite systems is suggested to result from a synergistic effect due to Ag(2)S anti-fungal centres and the SiO(2) surfaces in promoting the adsorption of the fungus.
authors.affiliation: University of Aveiro, CICECO and Department of Chemistry, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
authors.forename: Sara
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Fateixa
authors.forename: Márcia C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Neves
authors.forename: Adelaide
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Almeida
authors.forename: João
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Oliveira
authors.forename: Tito
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Trindade
mesh_terms: D000935:Antifungal Agents / Q000138:chemical synthesis / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001234:Aspergillus niger / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000254:growth & development / Q000648:ultrastructure; D002482:Cellulose / Q000494:pharmacology; D015169:Colony Count, Microbial; D008826:Microbial Sensitivity Tests; D053761:Nanocomposites / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D012822:Silicon Dioxide / Q000138:chemical synthesis / Q000494:pharmacology*; D018030:Silver Compounds / Q000138:chemical synthesis / Q000494:pharmacology*; D013997:Time Factors; D014961:X-Ray Diffraction
chemical_list: D000935:Antifungal Agents; D018030:Silver Compounds; D012822:Silicon Dioxide; D002482:Cellulose; C013251:silver sulfide