Silver Nanostars-Coated Surfaces with Potent Biocidal Properties.
Lucinda J Bessa1, Miguel Peixoto de Almeida1, Peter Eaton1
1LAQV/REQUIMTE, Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal.
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
|October 31, 2020
Summary
Star-shaped silver nanoparticles (AgNSs) show potent biocidal activity when used as surface coatings, effectively preventing bacterial growth. This nanotechnology offers enhanced antimicrobial surface engineering compared to nanoparticles in suspension.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Materials Science
- Microbiology
Background:
- Bacterial proliferation on surfaces causes infectious diseases.
- Nanotechnology enables the development of novel antimicrobial surfaces.
- Silver nanoparticles (AgNSs) are investigated for their antimicrobial potential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the antibiofilm and biocidal properties of star-shaped silver nanoparticles (AgNSs).
- To compare AgNSs with spherical silver nanoparticles (AgNPs).
- To assess AgNSs in suspension versus as surface coatings.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of AgNSs and AgNPs.
- Determination of Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MICs).
- Assessment of antibiofilm activity using Live/Dead staining and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM).
- Evaluation of surface antimicrobial properties via agar "touch test", Live/Dead staining, and AFM.
Main Results:
- AgNSs exhibited 2-4 times lower MIC values than AgNPs.
- AgNSs in suspension showed limited antibiofilm effect at MIC, but increased cell death.
- AgNSs-coated surfaces demonstrated significant biocidal activity, preventing bacterial growth upon contact.
Conclusions:
- Star-shaped silver nanoparticles (AgNSs) are more effective as surface coatings than in suspension.
- AgNSs-coated surfaces possess strong biocidal properties, crucial for preventing surface-mediated infections.
- Nanotechnology-based surface engineering with AgNSs holds promise for infection control.
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