Ag/AgCl nanoparticle decorated layered double hydroxides: synthesis, characterization and antimicrobial properties

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Microbiology

Background:

• Layered double hydroxides (LDHs) offer versatile platforms for nanomaterial synthesis.
• Silver and silver chloride nanoparticles exhibit potent antimicrobial properties.
• Developing stable and effective antimicrobial nanocomposites is crucial for combating infections.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize a stable Ag/AgCl-LDH nanocomposite.
• To evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of the developed nanocomposite against a range of pathogens.
• To investigate the silver release profile and time-kill kinetics of the nanocomposite.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of AgCl nanoparticles on ZnAl-LDH using AgNO3.
• Partial reduction of AgCl NPs to form Ag/AgCl-LDH nanocomposite using NaBH4 or formaldehyde.
• Characterization using X-ray powder diffraction, FE-SEM, TEM, and UV-Vis spectroscopy.
• Antimicrobial activity testing against Gram-negative bacteria, Gram-positive bacteria, and yeast.
• Silver ion release studies and time-kill experiments.

Main Results:

• Successfully synthesized Ag/AgCl-LDH nanocomposites with controlled nanoparticle dimensions.
• UV-Vis spectra confirmed the presence of silver nanoparticles (approx. 10 nm) via surface plasmon resonance.
• Demonstrated significant antimicrobial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus epidermidis, S. aureus, and Candida albicans.
• Obtained silver release curves and time-kill data indicating sustained antimicrobial action.

Conclusions:

• The Ag/AgCl-LDH nanocomposite is a promising material for antimicrobial applications.
• The synthesis method provides a stable platform for creating effective antimicrobial agents.
• The nanocomposite exhibits broad-spectrum activity and sustained release of silver ions, contributing to its efficacy.