The properties of materials at the nanoscale open up new methodologies for engineering prospective materials usable in high-end applications. The preparation of composite materials with a high content of an active component on their surface is one of the current challenges of materials engineering. This concept significantly increases the efficiency of heterogeneous processes moderated by the active component, typically in biological applications, catalysis, or drug delivery. Here we introduce a general approach, based on laser-induced optomechanical processing of silver colloids, for the preparation of polymer surfaces highly enriched with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). As a result, the AgNPs are firmly immobilized in a thin surface layer without the use of any other chemical mediators. We have shown that our approach is applicable to a broad spectrum of polymer foils, regardless of whether they absorb laser light or not. However, if the laser radiation is absorbed, it is possible to transform smooth surface morphology of the polymer into a roughened one with a higher specific surface area. Analyses of the release of silver from the polymer surface together with antibacterial tests suggested that these materials could be suitable candidates in the fight against nosocomial infections and could inhibit the formation of biofilms with a long-term effect.
This review discusses the methods of the nanofabrication of metal-polymer composites, especially those based on silver nanostructures. The advantages of composites based on biocompatible polymer matrix, as well as their modifications with suitable techniques are broadly discussed. Different forms of silver nanostructures are reviewed with special emphasis on their antimicrobial activity. Mechanisms of the antimicrobial action of the silver nanostructures are summarized together with proposed ways of passing through the cell wall and processes triggered in cellular environment.
This review summarizes basic information on some characteristics of metallic nanostructures with special emphasis on noble metal nanoparticles, basic information on the development in this field, especially on the size of metal nanostructures and their possible applications. The review is devoted to the techniques of preparation and characterization of Au and Ag nanoparticles (AuNPs, AgNPs) deposited in liquid media. In addition, the antibacterial effects of aqueous solutions of metal nanoparticles on selected bacterial strains (E. coli, S. epidermidis). While AgNP46 completely inhibited both bacterial strains after 24 h, AuNPs exhibited pronounced inhibition selectivity regarding the specific nanoparticle size. Regardless of the AuNP size, no growth inhibition of E. coli occurred. In contrast, AuNP46 showed the ability to inhibit the growth of S. epidermidis.
