Ag-Based Synergistic Antimicrobial Composites. A Critical Review

Abstract

The emerging problem of the antibiotic resistance development and the consequences that the health, food and other sectors face stimulate researchers to find safe and effective alternative methods to fight antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and biofilm formation. One of the most promising and efficient groups of materials known for robust antimicrobial performance is noble metal nanoparticles. Notably, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been already widely investigated and applied as antimicrobial agents. However, it has been proposed to create synergistic composites, because pathogens can find their way to develop resistance against metal nanophases; therefore, it could be important to strengthen and secure their antipathogen potency. These complex materials are comprised of individual components with intrinsic antimicrobial action against a wide range of pathogens. One part consists of inorganic AgNPs, and the other, of active organic molecules with pronounced germicidal effects: both phases complement each other, and the effect might just be the sum of the individual effects, or it can be reinforced by the simultaneous application. Many organic molecules have been proposed as potential candidates and successfully united with inorganic counterparts: polysaccharides, with chitosan being the most used component; phenols and organic acids; and peptides and other agents of animal and synthetic origin. In this review, we overview the available literature and critically discuss the findings, including the mechanisms of action, efficacy and application of the silver-based synergistic antimicrobial composites. Hence, we provide a structured summary of the current state of the research direction and give an opinion on perspectives on the development of hybrid Ag-based nanoantimicrobials (NAMs).

Antibacterial Biodegradable Films Based on Alginate with Silver Nanoparticles and Lemongrass Essential Oil–Innovative Packaging for Cheese

“…Silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) are one of the most potent antimicrobial agents [38][39][40]. The literature reports at least 650 microorganisms, including viruses, along with bacteria and fungi, affected by Ag NPs [41][42][43]. The shape and size of Ag NPs are the main factors that influence the antimicrobial activity, the smaller, triangular nanoparticles being more potent [39].…”

Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Natural Extracts with Proven Antioxidant Activity

“…Currently, nanoparticles belong to highly advanced and specialized biomedical products [ 1 ]. There are several interesting applications of nanoparticles in medicine and pharmacy: for example, in medical imaging, as nanocomposites, filters, components of drug delivery systems, and formulations for the treatment of cancer [ 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 ]. Gold nanoparticles have found applications in analytical procedures for the detection of cancer cells, proteins, and antibodies.…”

Metal-Organic Framework Reinforced Acrylic Polymer Marine Coatings

“…The general belief is that under the prolonged immersion of coatings in seawater, an ion exchange reaction occurs wherein the silver ions of MOFs are gradually released from the Ag-MOG/acrylate coatings [ 58 ]. The efficacy of antifouling activity depends on the structure of the cell wall.…”

“…In the case of Ag-MOF reinforced acrylic coatings, the total fouling area was substantially lower at 54.77, 44.70, 66.26 and 63.01% for 0.25, 0.5, 0.75 and 1 wt% of Ag-MOF added into acrylic coatings, which indicates that the optimal loading of Ag-MOF for effective inhibition of marine fouling is 0.5 wt%. The general belief is that under the prolonged immersion of coatings in seawater, an ion exchange reaction occurs wherein the silver ions of MOFs are gradually released from the Ag-MOG/acrylate coatings [58]. The efficacy of antifouling activity depends on the structure of the cell wall.…”