Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Medicine 2011-04-01

Enhanced antibacterial effect of silver nanoparticles obtained by electrochemical synthesis in poly(amide-hydroxyurethane) media.

Marius Stefan, Stefan Marius, Lucian Hritcu, Hritcu Lucian, Marius Mihasan, Mihasan Marius, Daniela Pricop, Pricop Daniela, Irina Gostin, Gostin Irina, Romeo-Iulian Olariu, Olariu Romeo-Iulian, Simona Dunca, Dunca Simona, Viorel Melnig, Melnig Viorel

Index: J. Mater. Sci. Mater. Med. 22(4) , 789-96, (2011)

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Abstract

In the present study, we report enhanced antimicrobial properties of 29 and 23 nm silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) obtained by electrochemical synthesis in poly(amide-hydroxyurethane) media. Antibacterial activity assessed by disk diffusion method indicates that silver nanoparticles produced inhibition zones for both Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus depending on silver concentration. The bacterial growth curve performed in the presence of silver nanoparticles showed a stronger antibacterial effect at lower concentrations than those described in the earlier reports. The effect was both dose and size dependent and was more pronounced against Gram negative bacteria than Gram positive one. The smallest Ag NPs used had a bactericidal effect resulting in killing E. coli cells. Scanning electron microscopy analysis indicated major damage and morphology changes of the silver nanoparticles treated bacterial cells. The major mechanism responsible for the antibacterial effect probably consists in clusters formation and nanoparticles anchorage to the bacterial cell surface.