Release Of Silver Ions Research Articles

Antibacterial Potential and Biocompatibility of Chitosan/Polycaprolactone Nanofibrous Membranes Incorporated with Silver Nanoparticles.

This study addresses the need for enhanced antimicrobial properties of electrospun membranes, either through surface modifications or the incorporation of antimicrobial agents, which are crucial for improved clinical outcomes. In this context, chitosan-a biopolymer lauded for its biocompatibility and extracellular matrix-mimicking properties-emerges as an excellent candidate for tissue regeneration. However, fabricating chitosan nanofibers via electrospinning often challenges the preservation of their structural integrity. This research innovatively develops a chitosan/polycaprolactone (CH/PCL) composite nanofibrous membrane by employing a layer-by-layer electrospinning technique, enhanced with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) synthesized through a wet chemical process. The antibacterial efficacy, adhesive properties, and cytotoxicity of electrospun chitosan membranes were evaluated, while also analyzing their hydrophilicity and nanofibrous structure using SEM. The resulting CH/PCL-AgNPs composite membranes retain a porous framework, achieve balanced hydrophilicity, display commendable biocompatibility, and exert broad-spectrum antibacterial activity against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, with their efficacy correlating to the AgNP concentration. Furthermore, our data suggest that the antimicrobial efficiency of these membranes is influenced by the timed release of silver ions during the incubation period. Membranes incorporated starting with AgNPs at a concentration of 50 µg/mL effectively suppressed the growth of both microorganisms during the early stages up to 8 h of incubation. These insights underscore the potential of the developed electrospun composite membranes, with their superior antibacterial qualities, to serve as innovative solutions in the field of tissue engineering.

Effect of Zeolite Incorporation on the Ion Release Properties of Silver-Reinforced Glass Ionomer Cement.

Zeolite can release antimicrobial silver ions in a targeted and controlled manner for an extended time, selectively inhibiting the growth of pathogenic oral bacteria when added to dental materials. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of the addition of zeolite to silver-reinforced glass ionomer cement on the release of silver ions over time. Five concentrations of silver-zeolite (0%, 0.5%, 1%, 2%, 4% wt) were incorporated into silver-reinforced GIC in the form of 10 mm × 2 mm circular disks (n = 5). The disks were incubated in deionized water at 37 °C and ion release from the samples was measured at 1, 2, 7, and 30 days after immersion by inductively coupled atomic emission spectroscopy. Incorporating silver-zeolite increased silver ion release from silver-reinforced GIC disks compared to the control disks (p < 0.05), while incorporating zeolite alone had no effect. Higher concentrations of added silver-zeolite resulted in increased silver ion release. Sustained silver ion release was observed for up to 30 days. Adding silver-zeolite to silver-reinforced GIC may enhance its extended antibacterial effect in the oral cavity.

Assessing mechanical properties and stability of silver-doped carbon-coated urethral stent application

Carbon coatings doped with Ag nanoparticles (a-C/Ag) are promising materials to enhance ureteral stents' biological, mechanical, and tribological properties. This paper aims to assess the degradation profile and mechanical behaviour of silicone stents coated with a-C and a-C/Ag films under simulated physiological conditions. a-C coating containing about 5 at. % Ag was deposited on silicone stent substrates by magnetron sputtering. The chemical composition, roughness, and wettability of the coatings were analysed. The morphology and mechanical properties of the coatings were characterised before and after 30 days of immersion in synthetic urine. Remarkably, the a-C/Ag coating demonstrated exceptional resistance to degradation, exhibiting no signs of film delamination even after 30 days of incubation under accelerated degradation conditions. Moreover, the stability of the a-C/Ag coating was evaluated by monitoring its release in synthetic urine, revealing an initial rapid release within the first two days, followed by a controlled and gradual release of silver ions from the coating. Additionally, the a-C/Ag coating practically kept the breaking force of the silicone stent (∼5 % loss) with a significant diminution in elongation at break due to the substate embrittlement during the sputtering process. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the performance of a-C/Ag coating on silicone stents, highlighting their ability to maintain structural integrity, resist degradation, and withstand substantial forces. These findings support the promising potential of a-C/Ag coating in enhancing the reliability and durability of urological stents.

Sponge-like porous polyvinyl alcohol/chitosan-based hydrogel with integrated cushioning, pH-indicating and antibacterial functions

Developing a packaging material with integrated cushioning, intelligent and active functions is highly desired but remains challenging in the food industry. Here we show that a sponge-like porous hydrogel with pH-indicating and antibacterial additives can meet this requirement. We use polyvinyl alcohol and chitosan as the primary polymers to construct a hydrogel with hierarchical structures through a freeze-casting method in combination with salting-out treatment. The synergy of aggregated polymer chains and the sponge-like porous structure makes the hydrogel resilient and efficient in energy absorption. It also enables rapid movement of molecules/particles and fast reaction due to the large specific surface area of the pore structures and the large amount of free water in it, leading to a sensitive pH-indicating function. The hydrogel shows an obvious color variation within a wide pH range in 3 min. The silver nanoparticles are fixed in the dense polymer networks, enabling a lasting release of silver ions. The porous structure makes the silver ion reach the protected item in a short time, achieving an antibacterial effect against S. aureus and E. coli with little cytotoxicity. This work paves the way for fabricating multifunctional hydrogels for diverse advanced packaging systems.

Solvent-Induced Lignin Conformation Changes Affect Synthesis and Antibacterial Performance of Silver Nanoparticle.

The emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria necessitates the development of novel, sustainable, and biocompatible antibacterial agents. This study addresses cytotoxicity and environmental concerns associated with traditional silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) by exploring lignin, a readily available and renewable biopolymer, as a platform for AgNPs. We present a novel one-pot synthesis method for lignin-based AgNPs (AgNPs@AL) nanocomposites, achieving rapid synthesis within 5 min. This method utilizes various organic solvents, demonstrating remarkable adaptability to a wide range of lignin-dissolving systems. Characterization reveals uniform AgNP size distribution and morphology influenced by the chosen solvent. This adaptability suggests the potential for incorporating lignin-loaded antibacterial drugs alongside AgNPs, enabling combined therapy in a single nanocomposite. Antibacterial assays demonstrate exceptional efficacy against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, with gamma-valerolactone (GVL)-assisted synthesized AgNPs exhibiting the most potent effect. Mechanistic studies suggest a combination of factors contributes to the antibacterial activity, including direct membrane damage caused by AgNPs and sustained silver ion release, ultimately leading to bacterial cell death. This work presents a straightforward, adaptable, and rapid approach for synthesizing biocompatible AgNPs@AL nanocomposites with outstanding antibacterial activity. These findings offer a promising and sustainable alternative to traditional antibiotics, contributing to the fight against antibiotic resistance while minimizing environmental impact.

An on-demand antibacterial hydrogel for precise and rapid elimination of bacterial infection in a murine partial thickness scald burn wound

Burn wounds trigger prolonged inflammation, impair healing, and result in a high mortality rate. The effective management of burn patients requires a targeted approach to regulate the wound microenvironment, maintaining sterility while fostering conditions conducive to healing and functionality. Here, we developed a targeted antibacterial pH/temperature-responsive silver nanoparticle (AgNP) hydrogel triggering the release of silver ions based on changes in the burn wound microenvironment. The delivery system not only exerts a strong antibacterial effect owing to the localization and interfacial interaction of ultrasmall AgNPs against the bacterial surface and deeply embedded cells within the biofilm but also downregulates the bacterial pore-forming genes, thereby overwhelmingly deactivating bacterial responses through a multifaceted mechanism of action. We demonstrate that the application of AgNP hydrogel results in pH-dependent bacterial killing and elimination of over 95 % of pathogens while being non-toxic to mammalian cell viability and migration. Furthermore, the in vivo preclinical burn infection murine model demonstrates the eradication of S. aureus infection leading to a progressive burn repair supported by increased collagen deposition, anti-inflammatory properties, and increased burn angiogenesis. Overall, this strategy provides a targeted approach to addressing drug-resistant chronic burn infections, thereby contributing to improved management of burn injuries.

Tunable Release of Ions from Graphene Oxide Laminates for Sustained Antibacterial Activity in a Biomimetic Environment.

Silver has long been recognized for its potent antimicrobial properties, but achieving a slow and longer-term delivery of silver ions presents significant challenges. Previous efforts to control silver ion dosages have struggled to sustain release for extended periods in biomimetic environments, especially in the presence of complex proteins.This challenge is underscored by the absence of technology for sustaining antimicrobial activity, especially in the context of orthopedic implants where long-term efficacy, extending beyond 7days, is essential. In this study, the tunable, slow, and longer-term release of silver ions from the two-dimensional (2D) nanocapillaries of graphene oxide (GO) laminates incorporated with silver ions (Ag-GO) for antimicrobial applications are successfully demonstrated. To closely mimic a physiologically relevant serum-based environment, a novel in vitro study model using 100% fetal bovine serum (FBS) is introduced as the test medium for microbiology, biocompatibility, and bioactivity studies. To emulate fluid circulation in a physiological environment, the in vitro studies are challenged with serum exchange protocols on different days. The findings show that the Ag-GO coating can sustainably release silver ions at a minimum dosage of 10µgcm-2day-1, providing an effective and sustained antimicrobial barrier for over ten days.

Preparation of nano-silver containing black phosphorus based on quaternized chitosan hydrogel and evaluating its effect on skin wound healing

Hydrogels with favorable biocompatibility and antibacterial properties are essential in postoperative wound hemorrhage care, facilitating rapid wound healing. The present investigation employed electrostatic adsorption of black phosphorus nanosheets (BPNPs) and nano‑silver (AgNPs) to cross-link the protonated amino group NH3+ of quaternized chitosan (QCS) with the hydroxyl group of hyaluronic acid (HA). The electrostatic interaction between the two groups resulted in the formation of a three-dimensional gel network structure. Additionally, the hydrogel containing AgNPs deposited onto BPNPs was assessed for its antibacterial properties and effects on wound healing. Hydrogel demonstrated an outstanding drug-loading capacity and could be employed for wound closure. AgNPs loaded on the BPNPs released silver ions and exhibited potent antibacterial properties when exposed to 808 nm near-infrared (NIR) radiation. The ability of the hydrogel to promote wound healing in an acute wound model was further evaluated. The BPNPs were combined with HA and QCS in the aforementioned hydrogel system to improve adhesion, combine the photothermal and antibacterial properties of the BPNPs, and promote wound healing. Therefore, the reported hydrogels displayed excellent biocompatibility and hold significant potential for application in the field of tissue engineering for skin wound treatment.

Gelatin-based scaffold incorporating Ag nanoparticles decorated polydopamine nanoparticles for skin tissue engineering

Skin plays an important role in several body functions. Once the skin integrity is lost because of injury, finding an effective way to facilitate the wound healing process is extremely essential. In this study, an appropriate composite is designed for wound dressing based on gelatin scaffold containing Ag nanoparticles decorated polydopamine nanoparticles (PDA-Ag NPs), to reduce wound bacterial colonization and accelerate the healing process. The prepared nanoparticles and scaffolds were then chemically and physically characterized by FTIR, FESEM, EDX and DLS. The scaffolds’ water uptake, mechanical strength and silver ion release were also measured. Biological analysis including antibacterial test and cell viability were investigated. DLS results indicated that the average diameter of synthesized PDA-Ag NPs was 383 ± 14.3 nm. By adding PDA-Ag NPs to gelatin-based scaffold, the maximum tensile strength increased from 0.388 ± 0.120 to 0.483 ± 0.112 MPa, tensile modulus increased from 0.058 ± 0.017 to 0.083 ± 0.015 MPa as well. Water uptake of gelatin-based scaffolds has also indicated about 800 to 1400% increase compared with the initial weight. The antibacterial, good biocompatibility and cell adhesion results verify the prepared scaffolds potential for wound dressing applications.

Use of geopolymers as tunable and sustained silver ion release mediums

Silver was incorporated up to 3.4% (w/w) into the geopolymer structure via precipitation as Ag2O by dispersing the geopolymer powder in an aqueous solution of AgNO3. The precipitates were mainly located in the fine pores within the nanoparticles of the geopolymer network. The fine pores enabled the formation of very fine precipitates, mainly between 2 and 5 nm. The silver-incorporated geopolymer was found to have a sustained Ag+ release that can be tuned down by a thermal treatment, e.g., calcination. The Ag+ release amount could be reduced by about 30-fold after calcination at 850 °C. Calcination reduces the specific surface area, causes shrinkage, and makes the geopolymer structure less pervious. The size of the precipitates remains stable even up to 1050 °C, despite a large amount of sintering-related shrinkage. These results suggest that geopolymers could be a tunable Ag+ source for various antibacterial applications.

Modulating antibacterial properties of titanium surface coatings: The role of low intensity pulsed ultrasound and light stimuli

Medical titanium and titanium alloys were susceptible to infection following implantation due to their limited antibacterial properties. One effective approach to mitigate this risk was the application of antibacterial coatings on the medical titanium materials surface. Additionally, there was a pressing need in clinical practice to develop a titanium surface coating that can modulate antibacterial properties in response to external conditions. In this study, a zinc oxide-loaded silver nanorod arrays coating was fabricated on the titanium surface using intensity pulsed ultrasound and light as stimuli, aiming to achieve the desired regulation of antibacterial properties. The coating morphology and the silver distribution within the coating were investigated. The surface roughness and wetting angle were tested. The effect of low intensity pulsed ultrasound and light on the cumulative release of silver ions was studied, and its mechanism was analyzed. The bacteriostasis rate of the polarized ZnO-loaded silver nanorods array coating reached 99.96%. The synergistic bactericidal mechanism of piezoelectric effect, catalysis, silver ion bactericidal effect and nanorod puncture effect on bacteria was expounded. Finally, the ZnO-loaded silver nanorod array coating exhibited non-cytotoxicity and supported full osteoblast adherence morphology. The polarized coating was observed to be coated with abundant granular hydroxyapatite after immersion in simulated body fluids for 7 days. The results provide a possibility for modulating the antibacterial properties of titanium surface coatings in vitro.

Photo-Responsive Ascorbic Acid-Modified Ag2S-ZnS Heteronanostructure Dropping pH to Trigger Synergistic Antibacterial and Bohr Effects for Accelerating Infected Wound Healing.

Nonantibiotic approaches must be developed to kill pathogenic bacteria and ensure that clinicians have a means to treat wounds that are infected by multidrug-resistant bacteria. This study prepared matchstick-like Ag2S-ZnS heteronanostructures (HNSs). Their hydrophobic surfactants were then replaced with hydrophilic poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and thioglycolic acid (TGA) through the ligand exchange method, and this was followed by ascorbic acid (AA) conjugation with TGA through esterification, yielding well-dispersed PEGylated Ag2S-ZnS@TGA-AA HNSs. The ZnS component of the HNSs has innate semiconductivity, enabling the generation of electron-hole pairs upon irradiation with a light of wavelength 320 nm. These separate charges can react with oxygen and water around the HNSs to produce reactive oxygen species. Moreover, some holes can oxidize the surface-grafted AA to produce protons, decreasing the local pH and resulting in the corrosion of Ag2S, which releases silver ions. In evaluation tests, the PEGylated Ag2S-ZnS@TGA-AA had synergistic antibacterial ability and inhibited Gram-negative Escherichia coli and Gram-positive methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Additionally, MRSA-infected wounds treated with a single dose of PEGylated Ag2S-ZnS@TGA-AA HNSs under light exposure healed significantly more quickly than those not treated, a result attributable to the HNSs' excellent antibacterial and Bohr effects.

Ag/MoS2 nanozyme-modified ZnO nanopillar surface for enhanced synergistic mechanical and chemical antibacterial activity

Bacterial infection and contamination is a tough problem that generates numerous hazardous factors in areas ranging from human health, clinical to industrial manufacture. Here, an Ag/MoS2 nanozyme-modified ZnO nanopillar surface was designed and assembled. This nanopillar surface can achieve remarkable antibacterial effects against Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus and Gram-negative Escherichia coli. The obtained nanozyme-modified nanopillar surface demonstrated mechanical antibacterial property with a killing rate of 69.6% and 70.4% to Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, respectively. Moreover, the surface disables bacteria under H2O2 efficiently, reaching a lethality rate of 89.7% and 98.4% in 30 min, respectively. The superiorities of fast and high lethality rate are owed to a synergistic antibacterial functions consisted of mechanical rupture, enormous ROS generation and silver ions release. Meanwhile, the nanozyme-modified nanopillar surface also shows the surface superhydrophobic property with an antibacterial adhesion rate of over 99.9%. Therefore, the scheme pdresented in this study can provide a potential perspective to solve bacterial infection and contamination in the fields of daily life, clinical and industrial manufacture.

Antimicrobial and optical properties of a new biogenic silica-coated silver nanoparticles incorporated into experimental resin.

Evaluate the effects of incorporating silica-coated silver nanoparticles (Ag@SiO2 NPs) into odontological clinic resin materials. Silver nanoparticles coated with silicon dioxide were added to the experimental resin matrix at 1, 3, and 5wt%. Degree of conversion (DC), optical properties (total transmittance and color change), and microstructural analysis were evaluated. Materials were tested for silver ion release, cytotoxicity in dental pulp fibroblasts, Streptococcus mutans biofilm growth by Colony-Forming Unit (CFU) and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Groups had a similar DC, despite significant differences observed in transmittance and color change analysis for all groups with NPs. Silver ion release values were below the detection limit after 72h for all groups, and NPs incorporation did not show a statistical difference from the control on pulp fibroblasts assay. After 72h, the CFU count was significantly reduced by 74% from 3wt% of Ag@SiO2NPs. CLSM evaluation on S. mutans colonies showed a dose-dependent decrease in the emitted fluorescence. The application of Ag@SiO2 NPs in a resinous matrix, demonstrates a significant reduction of S. mutans CFU in oral biofilm, at concentrations from 3wt%, without an increase in cytotoxicity. The reduced transmittance values did not affect the DC, although a significant color change was perceived in all concentrations. Key words:Nanoparticles, Silver Compounds, Composite Dental Resin, Anti-Bacterial Agent, Optical Imaging.

Electrophoretic deposition of photothermal responsive antibacterial coatings on titanium with controlled release of silver ions

Burst release of antibacterial agents generated by the surface antibacterial modification of Ti implants frequently results in a reduction in their biocompatibility and substantial toxic side effects. In this study, core-shelled nanoparticles namely AgNR@MSN, were synthesized successfully by mesoporous silica shell in-situ encapsulated Ag nanorods, and then co-deposited with chitosan to form a AgNR@MSN-chitosan composite coating on Ti substrate by electrophoretic deposition. The developed composite coating, due to the presence of AgNR, presented excellent photothermal effect under the irradiation of an 808 nm near-infrared laser, leading to both rapid increase of local temperature and triggered release of Ag ions for bacterial-killing effect against both E. coli and S. aureus. The addition of AgNR@MSN also improved the wettability of the coating and the MSN shell with mesoporous tunnels could barrier the contact and release rate of Ag to improve the biocompatibility. The developed photothermal responsive coating could be considered as a promising platform for achieving controlled release of Ag ions with outstanding antibacterial and biocompatible properties.

Use of nanoparticles, a modern means of drug delivery, against cryptosporidiosis.

Cryptosporidium is a primary cause of waterborne epidemics, despite being previously considered only an opportunistic pathogen. The disease is associated with significant economic losses in humans and animals that are brought on by diarrhea, which frequently causes dehydration. Contact with diseased people or animals, as well as polluted water, is the major cause of infection. Different drugs are used to control the parasites. Nitazoxanide (NTZ), which is an anti-protozoan and anti-viral drug, can be used to control helminths, viruses, and protozoan parasites as a broad-spectrum antibiotic and has been approved by the food and drug authority (FDA). However, the problem is the development of resistance over a period of time in these parasites. Nanoparticles have received significant attention as possible anti-parasitic agents in recent years. By directing medications to specific cellular locations, targeted drug delivery minimizes the side effects of medications. Nanoparticles have demonstrated effectiveness against different Cryptosporidium species. Nanoparticles loaded with NTZ are found to be an effective remedy for C. parvum in young ones and decrease the oocyst count shed in the stools. Additionally, silver nanoparticles have proven to be effective against C. parvum by releasing silver ions that breach the cell wall of the oocyst, causing the escape of intracellular contents and the destruction of sporozoites within the oocyst. Implementing tiny particles for the purification of consuming water from Cryptosporidium is an economical and environmentally sustainable process. However, the use of nanoparticles in medicine requires more research.

Enhanced antibacterial efficacy: rapid analysis of silver-decorated azithromycin-infused Soluplus® nanoparticles against E. coli and S. epidermidis biofilms.

The escalating threat of antibiotic-resistant bacterial biofilms necessitates innovative antimicrobial strategies. This study introduces silver-decorated azithromycin-infused Soluplus® nanoparticles (Ag-AZI-Sol NPs) synthesized via a controlled emulsion diffusion method to ensure sustained release of antimicrobial silver ions for over six hours-a critical factor for continuous antibacterial efficacy. The efficacy of these nanoparticles was evaluated against biofilms formed by Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus epidermidis (S. epidermidis), pathogens that cause hospital-acquired infections. Concentrations of 5 and 10 μg mL-1 of Ag-AZI-Sol NPs induced significant morphological changes within the biofilms, disrupting the bacterial extracellular matrix as observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). This disruption peaked between two and six hours, coinciding with damage to bacterial cells by the silver ions. Antibacterial assay measurements confirmed a significant reduction in the growth rate among the Ag-AZI-Sol NP-treated bacteria compared with controls. Electrochemical analysis using laser-induced graphene (LIG) and chronoamperometry revealed a decline in current, indicating an effective antibacterial effect. This innovative biosensing technique makes use of the high conductivity and surface area of LIG to detect changes in bacterial activity quickly and sensitively. Our findings highlight the potent microbicidal properties of Ag-AZI-Sol NPs and suggest diverse applications from food processing to medical device coatings.

Production and Characterization of Bioactive and Antimicrobial Titanium Oxide Surfaces with Silver Nanoparticles and a Poly(lactic Acid) Microfiber Coating

Silver nanoparticles (AgNp) were deposited on highly porous TiO2 surfaces by the dripping of a colloidal AgNp solution to provide antimicrobial activity. Micro-porous TiO2 surfaces were obtained on commercially pure titanium by micro-arc oxidation in an electrolyte containing Ca and P precursors. In addition, as silver can be toxic to cells, these surfaces were uniformly covered with the biocompatible and bioresorbable poly(lactic acid) (PLA) polymer by electrospinning, aiming at promoting a controlled release of silver ions to the medium. The resulting AgNp-containing surfaces were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD), and in vitro assays were performed to evaluate their antimicrobial activity and bioactivity. Tests revealed that the surfaces showed antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, with better results for the surfaces without PLA. However, all the surfaces presented good biocompatibility in assays with mouse MC3T3-E1 pre-osteoblasts, and greater cell differentiation for the polymer-coated surfaces. Finally, the PLA ultrafine fibers electrospun on the TiO2/AgNp surfaces allowed a controlled release of silver ions in the phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) medium.

Silver/gold nanoalloy implant coatings with antibiofilm activity via pH-triggered silver ion release.

Implant infections are a major challenge for the healthcare system. Biofilm formation and increasing antibiotic resistance of common bacteria cause implant infections, leading to an urgent need for alternative antibacterial agents. In this study, the antibiofilm behaviour of a coating consisting of a silver (Ag)/gold (Au) nanoalloy is investigated. This alloy is crucial to reduce uncontrolled potentially toxic Ag+ ion release. In neutral pH environments this release is minimal, but the Ag+ ion release increases in acidic microenvironments caused by bacterial biofilms. We perform a detailed physicochemical characterization of the nanoalloys and compare their Ag+ ion release with that of pure Ag nanoparticles. Despite a lower released Ag+ ion concentration at pH 7.4, the antibiofilm activity against Escherichia coli (a bacterium known to produce acidic pH environments) is comparable to a pure nanosilver sample with a similar Ag-content. Finally, biocompatibility studies with mouse pre-osteoblasts reveal a decreased cytotoxicity for the alloy coatings and nanoparticles.

The Influence of Reagents on the Shape, Stability, and Toxicity of AgNPs and Their Use to Produce Polymer-AgNPs Composites

The aim of this work was to propose a simple method for synthesizing differently shaped AgNPs and to find a suitable stabilizing/capping agent to ensure the non-toxicity of AgNPs. Using a chemical method, by simply changing the volume of reducing agents, we successfully prepared colloids of differently shaped AgNPs (spherical (~10 nm), triangular (~40 nm), rodlike (~30 nm), and a mixture of these shapes). The nanoparticle sizes and shapes affect the solution color. UV-VIS spectroscopy was used to evaluate the colloidal solutions, and transmission electron microscopy was used to analyze the shape and size of the nanoparticles. To create non-toxic and stable AgNPs, it is necessary to modify the surface properties of the nanoparticles; one possibility is to create a biocompatible layer on the nanoparticle surface. We successfully applied a combination of trisodium citrate and polyvinylpyrrolidone, thereby preventing the release of silver ions, which are responsible for the toxic effects of AgNPs. The synthesized nanoparticles show very low, mostly negligible antibiofilm activity against the green algae Chlorella kessleri. AgNPs were used to prepare polymer-AgNP composite thin layers and fibers. It was proved that AgNPs can influence polymer matrix properties.