Arginine-assisted immobilization of silver nanoparticles on ZnO nanorods: an enhanced and reusable antibacterial substrate without human cell cytotoxicity

Abstract

Silver-based hybrid nanomaterials are gaining interest as potential alternatives for conventional antimicrobial agents. Herein, we present a simple, facile and eco-friendly approach for the deposition of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on ZnO nanorods, which act as a nanoreactor for in situ synthesis and as an immobilizing template in the presence of arginine. The presence of arginine enhanced the stability of ZnO deposition on the glass substrate by hindering the dissolution of zinc under alkaline conditions. Various Ag/ZnO hybrid nanorod (HNR) samples were screened to obtain a high amount of silver immobilization on the ZnO substrate. Ag/ZnO HNRs displayed potent antibacterial ability and could achieve 100% kill for both Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis strains under various test conditions. The hybrid material mediated its dual mode of antibacterial action through direct contact-killing and release of silver ions/nanoparticles and showed superior bactericidal performance compared to pure ZnO nanorods and colloidal AgNPs. No significant decline in antibacterial efficacy was observed even after the same substrate was repeatedly reused multiple times. Interestingly, the amount of Ag and Zn release was much below their maximal limit in drinking water, thus preventing potential health hazards. Immobilized AgNPs showed no cytotoxic effects on the human hepatocarcinoma cell line (HepG2). Moreover, treating cells with the antibacterial substrate for 24 hours did not lead to significant generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The good biocompatibility and bactericidal efficacy would thus make it feasible to utilize this immobilization strategy for preparing new-generation antibacterial coatings.

Evaluation of genipin-crosslinked chitosan hydrogels as a potential carrier for silver sulfadiazine nanocrystals

“…It is anticipated that the poor solubility of AgSD could be markedly improved by nanocrystal technology. Then the enhanced solubility as well as the increased interaction between drugs and bacteria caused by the huge surface area can markedly improve their antibacterial effects [13].…”

Reductant‐Free Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles by Functionalized Hollow Doughnut Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles for Preparation of Catalytic Nanoreactor

“…The high resolution Ag 3d spectrum of Ag/hd‐MSN‐NH 2 demonstrated two peaks at 367.5 eV (Ag 3d 5/2 ) and 373.5 eV (Ag 3d 3/2 ) with a peak splitting of 6.0 eV, indicated the present of metallic silver (Ag 0 , Figure b). Interestingly, deposition of Ag NPs on the hd‐MSN‐NH 2 nanoparticles showed the decrease in the binding energy values of 3d doublet as compared to their standard values in bulk silver (368.2 eV and 375.2 eV) . The high resolution spectrum of N 1s of hd‐MSN‐NH 2 showed two peaks at 395 eV and 398.4 eV corresponding to N−H and N−C bonding respectively …”

Spontaneous Electroless Galvanic Cell Deposition of 3D Hierarchical and Interlaced S–M–S Heterostructures

“…Furthermore, a high‐resolution TEM (HRTEM) image reveals the crystallinity of the metal–semiconductor interface. Lattice fringes with an interplanar distance of ≈0.24 nm correspond to the (111) plane of Ag NPs while an interplanar distance of ≈0.27 nm corresponds to crystallographic (002) plane of ZnO NRs . To further analyze this, SAED pattern of the Ag NP is obtained in the [111] direction (Figure f,g).…”