Novel silver nanoparticles as antibacterial agents

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We aim to extend the advantages of a low-cost technique for the environmentally friendly synthesis of bactericidal silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs). Ag NPs, with unique properties, designed deliberately for specific problems in the health care field will be produced using different types of plant extracts, essential oils and natural antibacterials. The unique synthesis protocol developed by our partner produces different sizes and morphologies of Ag(0) nanoparticles. The goal is to identify the conditions that will give the best synergies between the natural antibacterial coatings and silver nanoparticles, with the goal of developing products that have a unique capacity to eradicate drug resistant bacteria. We will investigate the antibacterial efficacy of these products, by testing their ability to kill several biofilm forming bacterial strains including: Streptococcus mutans, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. We aim to gain detailed insight into the complex action of Ag NP on the bacteria, with the long-term goal of incorporating them into hydrogel scaffolds for the treatment of chronic diseases and tissue regeneration. Nanoparticles will be rigorously characterized using Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Single Particle Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectroscopy (SP-ICP-MS) and Single Cell Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectroscopy (SC-ICP-MS).