Silver and Antimicrobial Polymer Nanocomplexes to Enhance Biocidal Effects

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Microbiology

Background:

• Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant global health threat.
• Silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) and antimicrobial polymers (APs) show promise as alternatives to conventional antimicrobials.
• Combining Ag-NPs with APs may enhance their efficacy against resistant microorganisms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the antimicrobial properties of Ag-NPs when complexed with various APs (chitosan, poly-L-lysine, ε-poly-L-lysine, dopamine).
• To evaluate the potential synergistic antimicrobial effects of Ag-NP + AP nanocomplexes.
• To assess the efficacy of these nanocomplexes against bacteria and fungi, including their ability to eradicate biofilms.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis and characterization of Ag-NP + AP nanocomplexes using UV-Vis spectroscopy, zeta potential, TEM, and FTIR.
• In vitro antimicrobial testing against Staphylococcus aureus (Gram-positive), Escherichia coli (Gram-negative), and Candida albicans (fungi).
• Evaluation of biofilm eradication capabilities against S. aureus and C. albicans.

Main Results:

• Successful conjugation of Ag-NPs with selected APs was confirmed.
• The Ag-NP + AP nanocomplexes demonstrated potentiation of antimicrobial activity, especially against Candida albicans.
• Specific nanocomplexes showed significant biofilm eradication: Ag-NPs + dopamine against S. aureus and Ag-NPs + chitosan against C. albicans.

Conclusions:

• Ag-NP + AP nanocomplexes offer enhanced antimicrobial efficacy compared to Ag-NPs alone.
• These novel formulations show potential for development into therapeutic agents against microbial infections.
• Further investigation is warranted to explore their clinical applicability.