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Updated: Mar 14, 2026
Antimicrobial Characterization of Advanced Materials for Bioengineering Applications
Published on: August 4, 2018
Antimicrobial Silver Nanoclusters Bearing Biocompatible Phosphorylcholine-Based Zwitterionic Protection
Arunee Sangsuwan1, Hideya Kawasaki1, Yoshinobu Matsumura1
1Graduate School of Science and Engineering, ‡Department of Chemistry and Materials, Faculty of Chemistry, Materials and Bioengineering, §Department of Life Science and Biotechnology, Faculty of Chemistry, Materials and Bioengineering, and ∥ORDIST, Kansai University , 3-3-35 Yamate-cho, Osaka, Suita-shi 564-8680, Japan.
Abstract:
Infection is one of the most serious issues in medical treatments leading to the development of several antimicrobial agents. In particular, silver ions released from silver substrates is well-known as a reliable antimicrobial agent that either kills the microorganisms or inhibits their growth. Unfortunately, many reports have shown that silver-based antimicrobial agents are toxic for human cells as well. To improve the biocompatibility of silver antimicrobial agents, we have synthesized thiol-terminated phosphorylcholine (PC-SH)-protected silver nanoclusters (PC-AgNCs) via strong thiol-metal coordination with controlled ultrasmall size of the clusters. A change in plasmon-like optical absorption was studied to affirm the successful synthesis of small thiolated AgNCs through the absorption spectra that become molecular-like for the AgNCs. We observed that PC-AgNCs were spherical with an average diameter of <2 nm. The ultrasmall size clusters were exceedingly immobilized by the PC-SH on the surface, resulting in excellent biocompatibility and antibacterial activity simultaneously. The biocompatible, antimicrobial PC-AgNCs exhibit interesting advantages compared with other silver antimicrobial agents for medical applications.
Insights
Researchers developed biocompatible silver nanoclusters (PC-AgNCs) for medical use. These ultrasmall, protected silver nanoclusters show strong antimicrobial activity without harming human cells.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Materials Science
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Infections pose significant risks in medical treatments, driving the need for effective antimicrobial agents.
- Silver-based antimicrobials are effective but often exhibit toxicity to human cells.
- Improving the biocompatibility of silver antimicrobial agents is crucial for safe medical applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize biocompatible and antimicrobial silver nanoclusters (PC-AgNCs).
- To investigate the properties and efficacy of these novel nanoclusters for medical applications.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of thiol-terminated phosphorylcholine (PC-SH)-protected silver nanoclusters (PC-AgNCs) using strong thiol-metal coordination.
- Characterization of nanocluster size and optical properties via absorption spectra.
- Evaluation of biocompatibility and antibacterial activity.
Main Results:
- Successfully synthesized ultrasmall (<2 nm diameter) spherical PC-AgNCs.
- Confirmed synthesis through a shift to molecular-like optical absorption spectra.
- Demonstrated simultaneous excellent biocompatibility and potent antibacterial activity.
- PC-AgNCs showed enhanced advantages over existing silver antimicrobial agents.
Conclusions:
- PC-AgNCs offer a promising solution for developing safe and effective antimicrobial agents.
- The strong immobilization by PC-SH enhances the biocompatibility and antibacterial efficacy of the nanoclusters.
- These findings highlight the potential of PC-AgNCs in various medical applications requiring antimicrobial properties.
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