Enhanced antibacterial efficacy of silver nanoparticles immobilized in a chitosan nanocarrier

Herein, enhanced bactericidal activity of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) impregnated in chitosan nanocarriers is reported. The chitosan-based nanocarrier system for Ag NPs (Ag NP-Chi NC) was synthesized by ionotropic gelation of Ag NP-chitosan with tripolyphosphate. The nanocarriers were characterized by UV-vis Spectroscopy, Transmission electron microscopy, Selected area electron diffraction pattern and Dynamic light scattering. The NCs exhibited superior antibacterial efficacy against both Gram negative and Gram positive bacteria in comparison to either chitosan or Ag NPs alone. The NCs interacted with bacteria causing irreparable membrane damage as revealed by Flow Cytometry studies. The present study demonstrates the potential of Ag NP-Chi NCs as an efficient antibacterial agent.