Novel nanohybrids of silver particles on clay platelets for inhibiting silver-resistant bacteria

PLoS One. 2011;6(6):e21125. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0021125. Epub 2011 Jun 17.

Abstract

We develop a novel nanohybrid showing a strong antibacterial activity on all of the tested pathogens, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus auerus and silver-resistant E. coli. The nanohybrid consists of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) supported on 1 nm-thick silicate platelets (NSPs). The AgNP/NSP nanohybrid enables to encapsulate bacteria and triggers death signals from the cell membrane. The geographic shape of the NSPs concentrates AgNPs but impedes their penetration into attached cells, mitigating the detrimental effect of silver ion deposition in applied tissues. Moreover, the tightly tethered AgNPs on NSP surface achieve a stronger biocidal effect than silver nitrate, but bypassing Ag(+) mechanism, on silver-resistant bacteria. This nanohybrid presents an effective and safe antimicrobial agent in a new perspective.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aluminum Silicates / chemistry*
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / chemistry
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology
  • Clay
  • Drug Resistance, Bacterial / drug effects*
  • Escherichia coli / drug effects*
  • Metal Nanoparticles / chemistry*
  • Nanotechnology / methods*
  • Silver / chemistry*
  • Silver / pharmacology*
  • Surface Properties

Substances

  • Aluminum Silicates
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Silver
  • Clay