Silver and Antimicrobial Polymer Nanocomplexes to Enhance Biocidal Effects

Author:

Pereira Diana1ORCID,Ferreira Susana1ORCID,Ramírez-Rodríguez Gloria Belén2ORCID,Alves Nuno3ORCID,Sousa Ângela1ORCID,Valente Joana F. A.3ORCID

Affiliation:

1. CICS-UBI-Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Avenida Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal

2. Department of Inorganic Chemistry (BioNanoMetals Group), Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Granada, Avenida Fuente Nueva, s/n, 18071 Granada, Spain

3. CDRSP-PL-Centre for Rapid and Sustainable Product Development, Polytechnic of Leiria, Marinha Grande, 2430-028 Leiria, Portugal

Abstract

Antimicrobial resistance has become a major problem over the years and threatens to remain in the future, at least until a solution is found. Silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) and antimicrobial polymers (APs) are known for their antimicrobial properties and can be considered an alternative approach to fighting resistant microorganisms. Hence, the main goal of this research is to shed some light on the antimicrobial properties of Ag-NPs and APs (chitosan (CH), poly-L-lysine (PLL), ε-poly-L-lysine (ε-PLL), and dopamine (DA)) when used alone and complexed to explore the potential enhancement of the antimicrobial effect of the combination Ag-NPs + Aps. The resultant nanocomplexes were chemically and morphologically characterized by UV-visible spectra, zeta potential, transmission electron microscopy, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. Moreover, the Ag-NPs, APs, and Ag-NPs + APs nanocomplexes were tested against Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and the Gram-negative Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria, as well as the fungi Candida albicans (C. albicans). Overall, the antimicrobial results showed potentiation of the activity of the nanocomplexes with a focus on C. albicans. For the biofilm eradication ability, Ag-NPs and Ag-NPs + DA were able to significantly remove S. aureus preformed biofilm, and Ag-NPs + CH were able to significantly destroy C. albicans biofilm, with both performing better than Ag-NPs alone. Overall, we have proven the successful conjugation of Ag-NPs and APs, with some of these formulations showing potential to be further investigated for the treatment of microbial infections.

Funder

Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia

Agência de Inovação

Publisher

MDPI AG

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