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Silver Nanoparticles and Their Antibacterial Applications

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Abstract

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been recognized as an excellent antimicrobial agent, capable of combating bacterial infections both in vitro and in vivo. The antibacterial ability of AgNPs encompasses Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, including multidrug-resistant strains. AgNPs function through multiple mechanisms and exhibit a synergistic effect when combined with organic antimicrobial agents or antibiotics, proving especially effective against pathogens like Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Their unique characteristics make silver nanoparticles ideal for use in medical and healthcare products, effectively treating or preventing infections. This review aims to establish factors affecting the antibacterial and cytotoxic effects of silver nanoparticles, and demonstrate the advantages of using AgNPs as antibacterial agents in combination with antibiotics to lower necessary dosages and associated side effects.

Keywords:

silver nanoparticles, antibacterial activity, cytotoxicity, medical applications, antibiotic alternative.

1. Introduction

Silver has long been utilized as an antimicrobial agent, either alone or in combination with other technologies. Historically, silver compounds like silver nitrate and silver sulfadiazine have been used in creams and dressings to treat burns and ulcers, in food packaging to prevent contamination, and in various home appliances and industrial applications. Given the well-documented antibacterial properties of silver and the advancements in nanotechnology, exploring the antibacterial capacity of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) was a logical progression.

Defined as a nanomaterial with dimensions ranging from 1 to 100 nm, AgNPs have shown higher efficiency and surface area compared to bulk silver. At the nanoscale, silver exhibits unique electrical, optical, and catalytic properties, leading to its use in targeted drug delivery, diagnostic tools, and biomedical imaging. However, it is their exceptional antibacterial activity that has garnered significant attention. AgNPs have demonstrated effectiveness against a broad spectrum of infectious microorganisms, including multidrug-resistant bacteria.

AgNPs Synthesis

Silver nanoparticles are synthesized using various methods, categorized into bottom-up or top-down techniques. Top-down methods convert solid or aerosolized silver into nanoparticles, while bottom-up approaches involve the aggregation and stabilization of silver atoms.

3.1. Mechanisms of Antibacterial Action

The antibacterial action of AgNPs is supported by three primary mechanisms. First, AgNPs can penetrate bacterial cell membranes, causing structural damage and increased permeability, resulting in cell death. Second, AgNPs can interact with intracellular substances such as DNA and proteins, disrupting cellular function and inducing oxidative stress. Third, the release of silver ions from AgNPs contributes to their antibacterial activity by interacting with cellular components and altering metabolic pathways.

3.2. Factors Affecting Antibacterial Activity of AgNPs

The efficacy of AgNPs is influenced by factors like nanoparticle size, charge, and surface characteristics. Smaller nanoparticles tend to have higher antibacterial activity due to their greater surface area and ability to generate more reactive oxygen species. Positively charged nanoparticles exhibit greater antibacterial effects, as they can more effectively interact with the negatively charged bacterial cells.

4. AgNPs as an Alternative to Combat Human Pathogenic Bacteria

AgNPs offer a promising alternative for combating various bacteria, including multidrug-resistant strains, thanks to their multifaceted mechanisms of action. Studies have shown AgNPs not only enhance the effectiveness of antibiotics but also prevent the emergence of resistant strains when used in combination. For instance, combining AgNPs with antibiotics like chloramphenicol and kanamycin has demonstrated significant inhibitory effects on bacterial growth.

Clinical and Laboratory Studies

Recent investigations have explored the combination of AgNPs with antibiotics such as azlocillin and vancomycin. For example, azlocillin-AgNP conjugates have shown enhanced antibacterial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, reducing bacterial colonization in mouse models. Similarly, vancomycin-AgNPs have proven effective against strains previously resistant to the antibiotic alone.

5.1. Dermal Cell Lines Exposure to AgNPs

Various studies have evaluated the effects of AgNPs on dermal cell lines, including human keratinocytes and dermal fibroblasts. Results demonstrate a dose-dependent impact on cell viability and highlight the importance of nanoparticle size, coating, and stability in influencing cytotoxic effects.

5.2. Respiratory Cell Lines Exposure to AgNPs

Research on respiratory cell lines, such as human lung epithelial cells, reveals that AgNPs can cause gene expression changes, increased oxidative stress, and cell cycle alterations. However, cells also seem capable of adapting to AgNP exposure over time.

6. Applications of Antibacterial AgNPs in Healthcare

The healthcare sector has seen significant advancements in utilizing AgNPs for their antibacterial properties. AgNPs have been incorporated into face masks, catheters, and wound dressings, enhancing their ability to prevent and treat infections. For instance, AgNPs-coated catheters have shown increased sterility and reduced biofilm formation without inducing toxic effects.

7. Conclusions

Silver nanoparticles have established themselves as a potent antimicrobial agent, offering exceptional antibacterial capacity, especially when combined with antibiotics. Understanding their effects at a cellular level and optimizing their use will be crucial for developing new technologies that can selectively target pathogenic bacteria without promoting resistance.

Acknowledgments

This research was supported by the project FONDECYT 1171611.

Author Contributions

All authors contributed to the study's conception, design, data collection, analysis, and manuscript preparation. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

Funding

This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest related to this research.

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