Growth of Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhi inhibited by fractal silver nanoparticles supported on zeolites

Silver nanoparticles were dispersed on clinoptilolite zeolite. These materials were evaluated as biocides for Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhi. Ag-zeolites were shown to be efficient in eliminating both E. coli and S. typhi present in nutritive media. Particularly, E. coli was eliminated at very short times. In the presence of a zeolite free of silver, bacteria use the zeolite to reproduce rapidly.

Colonies of Escherichia coli and S. typhi are eliminated by nanoparticles of metallic silver supported on clinoptilolite zeolite.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► Silver as biocide materials.
► Immobilization of Ag nanoparticles on zeolites to increase the efficiency as biocide.
► Fractal dimension of Ag nanoparticles drives their performance to eliminate Escherichia coli and S. typhi.