Modified chitosan encapsulated core-shell Ag Nps for superior antimicrobial and anticancer activity

Area of Science:

• Nanotechnology
• Materials Science
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Silver nanoparticles (Ag Nps) possess unique properties making them valuable in various applications.
• Developing efficient and stable synthesis methods for Ag Nps is crucial for their practical use.
• Biocompatible and antimicrobial agents are in high demand for medical and therapeutic purposes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize silver nanoparticles (Ag Nps) using a one-pot method with chitosan-graft-poly(acrylamide) and polyethylene glycol.
• To characterize the synthesized Ag Nps for their physical, chemical, and morphological properties.
• To evaluate the antimicrobial activity, blood compatibility, and cytotoxicity of the Ag Nps.

Main Methods:

• One-pot synthesis utilizing chitosan-graft-poly(acrylamide) as a reducing agent and polyethylene glycol as a stabilizing agent.
• Characterization using UV-Vis, FTIR, XRD, FESEM, DLS, TEM, and AFM.
• Antimicrobial assays against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.
• Haemolytic assay for blood compatibility and cytotoxicity assay on HeLa cancer cells.

Main Results:

• Spherical Ag Nps with a size range of 5-50 nm were successfully synthesized and found to be stable for over 60 days.
• Characterization confirmed the formation and properties of the Ag Nps.
• The Ag Nps exhibited broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against tested bacteria.
• Significant cytotoxicity was observed against HeLa cancer cells with an IC50 of 8 μg/ml, while maintaining blood compatibility.

Conclusions:

• The one-pot synthesis method provides a stable and efficient route to produce Ag Nps.
• The synthesized Ag Nps show excellent antimicrobial properties and selective cytotoxicity towards cancer cells.
• These findings highlight the potential of these Ag Nps for applications in antimicrobial treatments and cancer therapy.