Effect of amine groups on the synthesis and antibacterial performance of Ag nanoparticles dispersed in aminosilanes-modified silicate

Nanocomposites based on silver (Ag) and organically-modified silicate (Ormosil) were prepared by an in situ reduction method, in which silver nitrate, tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) and aminosilanes with different amine groups acted as precursor, linker and colloidal suspension stabilizers, respectively. The objective of the study was to develop and evaluate aminosilanes-modified silicate impregnated with Ag nanoparticles, in which Ag dispersion is stabilized, to create a composite that protects against biological warfare agents. The physical properties of the Ormosil/Ag nanocomposites were examined using NMR, ESR and SEM spectroscopy, the results of which indicated that the extent of the reduction reaction increases with aminosilanes with a higher number of amine groups. The number of amine groups in the aminosilane has also a strong effect on the size of the resulting Ag particles. The antibacterial effects of the Ormosil/Ag nanocomposites were assessed by the zone of inhibition and plate-counting methods, and an excellent antibacterial performance was discovered.