Synthesis, characterization and antibacterial study on the chitosan-functionalized Ag nanoparticles
Linhai Biao1, Shengnan Tan2, Yuanlin Wang3
1Key Laboratory of Forest Plant Ecology, Ministry of Education, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, People's Republic of China; State Engineering Laboratory of Bio-Resource Eco-Utilization, Harbin 150040, People's Republic of China.
Summary
This study developed a simple method to create stable silver nanoparticles using chitosan. These chitosan-functionalized silver nanoparticles exhibit potent antibacterial and antifungal properties.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) possess significant antimicrobial properties.
- Chitosan is a biocompatible polymer with reducing and stabilizing capabilities.
- Developing stable and effective AgNP formulations is crucial for antimicrobial applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize stable silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using chitosan as a reductant and stabilizer.
- To characterize the synthesized AgNPs and investigate the influence of pH on their size and shape.
- To evaluate the antibacterial and antifungal efficacy of chitosan-functionalized AgNPs.
Main Methods:
- Facile, one-step hydrothermal synthesis of AgNPs using chitosan.
- Characterization using UV-Vis, FTIR, TEM, AFM, and XRD.
- Assessment of antibacterial and antifungal activity through zone of inhibition, inhibition ratio, and SEM.
Main Results:
- Stable, chitosan-functionalized AgNPs with an average diameter of 10.0±5.4 nm were successfully synthesized.
- FTIR confirmed specific interactions between chitosan functional groups and AgNP surfaces.
- Synthesis pH influenced AgNP morphology: spherical at pH 5.0 and nanotriangles/nanoplate at pH 4.0.
- AgNPs demonstrated significant bactericidal and fungicidal efficiency against tested microorganisms.
Conclusions:
- Chitosan is an effective reductant and stabilizer for synthesizing stable AgNPs.
- pH control allows tailoring of AgNP size and shape, impacting their properties.
- Chitosan-functionalized AgNPs show excellent potential as broad-spectrum antimicrobial agents.
