Synthesis, characterization and antibacterial activity against Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria of biomimetically coated silver nanoparticles

Langmuir. 2011 Aug 2;27(15):9165-73. doi: 10.1021/la201200r. Epub 2011 Jul 7.

Abstract

In the present work, we describe a simple procedure to produce biomimetically coated silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs), based on the postfunctionalization and purification of colloidal silver stabilized by citrate. Two biological capping agents have been used (cysteine Cys and glutathione GSH). The composition of the capped colloids has been ascertained by different techniques and antibacterial tests on GSH-capped Ag NPs have been conducted under physiological conditions, obtaining values of Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of 180 and 15 μg/mL for Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, respectively. The antibacterial activity of these GSH capped NPs can be ascribed to the direct action of metallic silver NPs, rather than to the bulk release of Ag(+).

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / chemical synthesis
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / chemistry
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology*
  • Coated Materials, Biocompatible / chemistry*
  • Colloids / chemistry
  • Escherichia coli / drug effects*
  • Metal Nanoparticles / chemistry*
  • Microbial Sensitivity Tests
  • Particle Size
  • Silver / chemistry*
  • Staphylococcus aureus / drug effects*
  • Structure-Activity Relationship
  • Surface Properties

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Coated Materials, Biocompatible
  • Colloids
  • Silver