Silver–Zwitterion Organic–Inorganic Nanocomposite with Antimicrobial and Antiadhesive Capabilities

• Published in: Langmuir 2013-03, Vol.29 (11), p.3773-3779
• Main Authors: Hu, Rong, Li, Guozhu, Jiang, Yujiao, Zhang, Yi, Zou, Ji-Jun, Wang, Li, Zhang, Xiangwen
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adhesiveness - drug effects; Anti-Infective Agents - chemistry; Anti-Infective Agents - pharmacology; Applied sciences; Betaine - chemistry; Composites; Escherichia coli K12 - drug effects; Escherichia coli K12 - physiology; Exact sciences and technology; Forms of application and semi-finished materials; Microbial Viability - drug effects; Nanocomposites - chemistry; Polymer industry, paints, wood; Polymethacrylic Acids - chemistry; Silver - chemistry; Surface Properties; Technology of polymers; Time Factors
• ISSN: 0743-7463; 1520-5827
• DOI: 10.1021/la304708b

In this work, we demonstrate a convenient, efficient, and environmentally benign strategy to achieving antimicrobial and antiadhesive purposes using a silver–zwitterion nanocomposite. The synthesis of the nanocomposite relies on loading zwitterionic polymer brushes with Ag+ precursor ions, followed by their in situ reduction to Ag nanoparticle by ultraviolet (UV) irradiation. Both poly(sulfobetaine methacrylate) (pSBMA) and poly(carboxybetaine methacrylate) (pCBMA) have been studied as matrices for the embedding of silver. Well-dispersed silver nanoparticles are embedded into pCBMA matrices. The obtained pCBMA–silver hybrid (CB-Ag) is capable of killing bacteria upon contact and releasing dead bacteria under wet conditions. Results suggest the feasibility of using this nanocomposite system as a robust and reliable antimicrobial and antiadhesive platform for the prevention of microbial colonization.