Antimicrobial properties of ZSM-5 type zeolite functionalized with silver

Antimicrobial properties of high SiO2/Al2O3 ratio zeolites functionalized with silver have been scarcely reported in the literature. The antimicrobial properties of the ZSM-5 type zeolite functionalized with Ag+ ions were evaluated using culture media by placing in contact the resultant zeolite with the Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria and the Candida albicans fungus. The effect of the time on bactericidal activity was examined with a kinetic study carried out to analyze the microorganism growth. The results indicated that this functionalized zeolite inhibits the bacteria and fungus proliferation.