Bactericidal activity of hydrogel beads based on N,N,N-trimethyl chitosan/alginate complexes loaded with silver nanoparticles

Polysaccharide-based composite materials (beads) containing silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were successfully prepared. Hydrogel beads acted as an efficient vehicle for Ag+ delivery. Beads promoted the AgNPs protection and inhibited their aggregation. Antimicrobial assays showed that the beads/AgNPs concentration can be modulated to deliver an amount of Ag+ necessary for kill Escherichia coli cells.

The hydrogel based on N,N,N-trimethyl chitosan/alginate polyelectrolyte complex released 61% of Ag+ and 39% of silver nanoparticles remained in its structure. The concentration of Ag+ released from hydrogel (≈10.9 μg) was sufficient to kill E. coli cells at pH 7.4.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide