Silver-ion-mediated reactive oxygen species generation affecting bactericidal activity

Silver and Antibiotic, New Facts to an Old Story

The therapeutic arsenal against bacterial infections is rapidly shrinking, as drug resistance spreads and pharmaceutical industry are struggling to produce new antibiotics. In this review we cover the efficacy of silver as an antibacterial agent. In particular we recall experimental evidences pointing to the multiple targets of silver, including DNA, proteins and small molecules, and we review the arguments for and against the hypothesis that silver acts by enhancing oxidative stress. We also review the recent use of silver as an adjuvant for antibiotics. Specifically, we discuss the state of our current understanding on the potentiating action of silver ions on aminoglycoside antibiotics.

Bioceramic Layers with Antifungal Properties

The sol-gel method was used to synthesize the silver doped hydroxyapatite (Ag:HAp) gels in order to produce the antifungal composite layers. The pure Ti disks were used as the substrate for the composite layers. Important information about suspensions used to make Ag:HAp composite layers were obtained from an ultrasonic technique. The identification of the phase composition of the Ag:HAp composite layers was accomplished X-ray diffraction (XRD). The morphology and the thickness of the layers was evaluated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The uniform distribution of the constituent elements (Ag, Ca, P, and O) in both analyzed samples was observed. The antifungal activity of the samples against Candida albicans ATCC 10231 microbial strain were investigated immediately after their preparation and six months later. SEM and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) images showed that the composite layers at the two time intervals exhibited a strong antifungal activity against Candida albicans ATCC 10231 and completely inhibited the biofilm formation.

Reducing Bacterial Infections and Biofilm Formation Using Nanoparticles and Nanostructured Antibacterial Surfaces

With the rapid spreading of resistance among common bacterial pathogens, bacterial infections, especially antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections, have drawn much attention worldwide. In light of this, nanoparticles, including metal and metal oxide nanoparticles, liposomes, polymersomes, and solid lipid nanoparticles, have been increasingly exploited as both efficient antimicrobials themselves or as delivery platforms to enhance the effectiveness of existing antibiotics. In addition to the emergence of widespread antibiotic resistance, of equal concern are implantable device-associated infections, which result from bacterial adhesion and subsequent biofilm formation at the site of implantation. The ineffectiveness of conventional antibiotics against these biofilms often leads to revision surgery, which is both debilitating to the patient and expensive. Toward this end, micro- and nanotopographies, especially those that resemble natural surfaces, and nonfouling chemistries represent a promising combination for long-term antibacterial activity. Collectively, the use of nanoparticles and nanostructured surfaces to combat bacterial growth and infections is a promising solution to the growing problem of antibiotic resistance and biofilm-related device infections.

Metal Nanoparticles for Diagnosis and Therapy of Bacterial Infection

Infectious diseases caused by pathogenic bacteria, especially multidrug-resistant bacteria, and their global spreading have become serious public health concerns. Early diagnosis and effective therapy can efficiently prevent deterioration and further spreading of the infections. There is an urgent need for sensitive, selective, and facile diagnosis as well as therapeutically potent treatment. The emergence of nanotechnology has provided more options for diagnosis and treatments of bacterial infections. Metal nanoparticles and metal oxide nanoparticles have drawn intense attention owing to their unique optical, magnetic, and electrical properties. These versatile metal-based nanoparticles have great potential for selective detection of bacteria and/or therapy. This review gives an overview of recent efforts on developing various metal-based nanoparticles for bacterial detection and infection therapy. It begins with an introduction of fundamental concepts and mechanisms in designing diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Representative achievements are selected to illustrate the proof-of-concept in vitro and in vivo applications. A brief discussion of challenges and perspective outlook in this field is provided at the end of this review.

Cosmetics Preservation: A Review on Present Strategies

Cosmetics, like any product containing water and organic/inorganic compounds, require preservation against microbial contamination to guarantee consumer’s safety and to increase their shelf-life. The microbiological safety has as main goal of consumer protection against potentially pathogenic microorganisms, together with the product’s preservation resulting from biological and physicochemical deterioration. This is ensured by chemical, physical, or physicochemical strategies. The most common strategy is based on the application of antimicrobial agents, either by using synthetic or natural compounds, or even multifunctional ingredients. Current validation of a preservation system follow the application of good manufacturing practices (GMPs), the control of the raw material, and the verification of the preservative effect by suitable methodologies, including the challenge test. Among the preservatives described in the positive lists of regulations, there are parabens, isothiasolinone, organic acids, formaldehyde releasers, triclosan, and chlorhexidine. These chemical agents have different mechanisms of antimicrobial action, depending on their chemical structure and functional group’s reactivity. Preservatives act on several cell targets; however, they might present toxic effects to the consumer. Indeed, their use at high concentrations is more effective from the preservation viewpoint being, however, toxic for the consumer, whereas at low concentrations microbial resistance can develop.

Effects on cytotoxicity and antibacterial properties of the incorporations of silver nanoparticles into the surface coating of dental alloys

The aim of this study was to research the changes in cytotoxicity and antibacterial properties after silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were incorporated into the surface coating of dental alloys. AgNPs were attached to cobalt chromium alloys and pure titanium using a hydrothermal method, according to the reaction: AgNO₃+NaBH₄→ Ag+1/2H₂+1/2B₂H₆+NaNO₃. A 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was used to evaluate the cytotoxicity of the alloys when in contact with osteogenic precursor cells (MC3T3-E1) from mice and mesenchymal stem cells (BMSC) from rats. The antibacterial properties of dental alloys incorporating three different concentrations (10, 4, and 2 μmol/L) of AgNPs were tested on Staphylococcus aureus (SA) and Streptococcus mutans (MS). High cytotoxicity values were observed for all dental alloys that contained 0% of AgNPs (the control groups). The incorporation of AgNPs reduced cytotoxicity values. No significant difference was observed for antibacterial performance when comparing dental alloys containing AgNPs to the respective control groups. The results demonstrated that the cobalt chromium alloys and pure titanium all had cytotoxicity to MC3T3-E1 and BMSC and that the incorporation of AgNPs could reduce this cytotoxicity. The concentrations of AgNPs adopted in this study were found to have no antibacterial action against SA or MS.

Do physico-chemical properties of silver nanoparticles decide their interaction with biological media and bactericidal action? A review

The unprecedented increase in antibiotic resistance in this era has resuscitated the attention of scientific community to exploit silver and its various species as antimicrobial agents. Plenty of studies have been done to measure the antimicrobial potential of silver species (cationic silver, metallic Ag⁰ or silver nanoparticles, silver oxide particulates etc.) and indicated that membrane damage, oxidative stress, protein dysfunction and DNA damage to be the possible cause of injury to the microbial cell. However, the precise molecular mechanism of their mode of action has remained unclear, which makes an obstacle towards the generation of potential antibacterial agent against various pathogenic and multidrug resistant (MDR) bacteria. In order to endeavor this issue, one should first have the complete understanding about the resistance mechanisms present in bacteria that can be a therapeutic target for the silver-based drug formulations. Apart from this, in-depth understanding of the interactions of various silver species (with the biological media) is a probable deciding factor for the synthesis of silver-based drug formulations because the particular form and physico-chemical properties of silver can ultimately decide their antimicrobial action. In context to above mentioned serious concerns, the present article aims to discuss the mechanisms behind the confrontation of bacteria against various drugs and the effect of physico-chemical properties of silver species on their bactericidal action as well as critically evaluates the available reports on bacterial transcriptomic and proteomic profiles upon the exposure of various silver species. Further, this review state the mechanism of action that needs to be followed for the complete understanding of toxic potential of silver nanoparticles, which will open a possibility to synthesize new silver nanoparticle based antimicrobial systems with desired properties to ensure their safe use, exposure over extended period and fate in human body and environment.

Aspects of silver tolerance in bacteria: infrared spectral changes and epigenetic clues

In this study, the molecular profile changes leading to the adaptation of bacteria to survive and grow at inhibitory silver concentration were explored. The profile obtained through infrared (IR)-based measurements indicated extensive changes in all biomolecular components, which were supported by chemometric techniques. The changes in biomolecular profile were prominent, including nucleic acids. The changes in nucleic acid region (1350-950 cm^-1 ) were encountered as a clue for conformational change in DNA. Further analysis of DNA by IR spectroscopy revealed changes in the backbone and sugar conformations. Moreover, Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay-based measurements of DNA methylation levels were performed to see if epigenetic mechanisms are in operation during bacterial adaptation to this environmental challenge. The results indicated a notable demethylation in Escherichia coli and methylation in Staphylococcus aureus likely to be associated with their elaborate adaptation process to sustain survival and growth.

Comparative toxicity of silver nanoparticles and silver ions to Escherichia coli

With the increase in silver (Ag)-based products in our lives, it is essential to test the potential toxicity of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and silver ions (Ag ions) on living organisms under various conditions. Here, we investigated the toxicity of AgNPs with Ag ions to Escherichia coli K-12 strain under various conditions. We observed that both AgNPs and Ag ions display antibacterial activities, and that Ag ions had higher toxicity to E. coli K-12 strain than AgNPs under the same concentrations. To understand the toxicity of AgNPs at a cellular level, reactive oxygen species (ROS) enzymes were detected for use as antioxidant enzymatic biomarkers. We have also studied the toxicity of AgNPs and Ag ions under various coexistence conditions including: fixed total concentration, with a varied the ratio of AgNPs to Ag ions; fixed the AgNPs concentration and then increased the Ag ions concentration; fixed Ag ions concentration and then increasing the AgNPs concentration. Exposure to AgNPs and Ag ions clearly had synergistic toxicity; however, decreased toxicity (for a fixed AgNPs concentration of 5mg/L, after increasing the Ag ions concentration) to E. coli K-12 strain. AgNPs and Ag ions in the presence of L-cysteine accelerated the bacterial cell growth rate, thereby reducing the bioavailability of Ag ions released from AgNPs under the single and coexistence conditions. Further works are needed to consider this potential for AgNPs and Ag ions toxicity across a range of environmental conditions.

ENVIRONMENTAL SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT

As silver nanoparticles (AgNPs)-based products are being broadly used in commercial industries, an ecotoxicological understanding of the AgNPs being released into the environment should be further considered. Here, we investigate the comparative toxicity of AgNPs and silver ions (Ag ions) to Escherichia coli K-12 strain, a representative ecotoxicological bioreporter. This study showed that toxicities of AgNPs and Ag ions to E. coli K-12 strain display different relationships when existing individually or when coexisting, and in the presence of L-cysteine materials. These findings suggest that the toxicology research of nanomaterials should consider conditions when NPs coexist with and without their bioavailable ions.

Similarities and Differences between Silver Ions and Silver in Nanoforms as Antibacterial Agents

Silver is considered as antibacterial agent with well-known mode of action and bacterial resistance against it is well described. The development of nanotechnology provided different methods for the modification of the chemical and physical structure of silver, which may increase its antibacterial potential. The physico-chemical properties of silver nanoparticles and their interaction with living cells differs substantially from those of silver ions. Moreover, the variety of the forms and characteristics of various silver nanoparticles are also responsible for differences in their antibacterial mode of action and probably bacterial mechanism of resistance. The paper discusses in details the aforementioned aspects of silver activity.

Antifouling membranes for sustainable water purification: strategies and mechanisms

One of the greatest challenges to the sustainability of modern society is an inadequate supply of clean water. Due to its energy-saving and cost-effective features, membrane technology has become an indispensable platform technology for water purification, including seawater and brackish water desalination as well as municipal or industrial wastewater treatment. However, membrane fouling, which arises from the nonspecific interaction between membrane surface and foulants, significantly impedes the efficient application of membrane technology. Preparing antifouling membranes is a fundamental strategy to deal with pervasive fouling problems from a variety of foulants. In recent years, major advancements have been made in membrane preparation techniques and in elucidating the antifouling mechanisms of membrane processes, including ultrafiltration, nanofiltration, reverse osmosis and forward osmosis. This review will first introduce the major foulants and the principal mechanisms of membrane fouling, and then highlight the development, current status and future prospects of antifouling membranes, including antifouling strategies, preparation techniques and practical applications. In particular, the strategies and mechanisms for antifouling membranes, including passive fouling resistance and fouling release, active off-surface and on-surface strategies, will be proposed and discussed extensively.

Tungsten doped hydroxyapatite processed at different temperatures: dielectric behaviour and anti-microbial properties

Electrical and antibacterial activities of bio-compatible W/HAp synthesizedviachemical precipitation followed by annealing at different temperature.

Disinfection of various bacterial pathogens using novel silver nanoparticle-decorated magnetic hybrid colloids

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have long been considered a powerful disinfectant for controlling pathogenic microorganisms. However, AgNPs might have adverse effects on both human health and our ecosystems due to their potential cytotoxicity and the difficulty in recovering them after their release into the environment. In this study, we characterized the antimicrobial efficacy caused by a novel micrometer-sized magnetic hybrid colloid (MHC) containing 7, 15, or 30nm sized monodispersed AgNPs (AgNP-MHCs), which can be re-collected from the environment using simple procedures, such as a magnet or centrifugation. We evaluated the antibacterial capabilities of AgNP-MHCs against target bacteria (Legionella pneumophila, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, and Clostridium perfringens) and compared them with the inactivation efficacy of AgNPs ~30nm in diameter (nAg30s). Among the different AgNP-MHCs composites evaluated, Ag30-MHCs had the greatest antibacterial effect. After 1h of exposure, more than a 4-log₁₀ reduction of L. pneumophila and 6-log₁₀ reduction of B. subtilis was achieved by 4.6×10⁹particles/mL of Ag30-MHCs and Ag30-MHC-Ls. In addition, Ag30-MHC-Ls maintained their strong antibacterial capabilities under anaerobic conditions. Our results indicate that AgNP-MHCs can be considered excellent tools for controlling waterborne bacterial pathogens, with a minimal risk of release into the environment.

Uptake and transformations of engineered nanomaterials: Critical responses observed in terrestrial plants and the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana

With the applications of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) continually expanding and production quickly growing, residues of ENMs will end up in the environment at levels that may be harmful to non-target organisms. Many of the tunable properties that have made them desirable, such as type, size, charge, or coating, also contribute to the current difficulties in understanding the fate of ENMs in the environment. This review article focuses on studies that investigate plant-ENM interactions, including techniques used to study these interactions and documented plant responses due to the phytotoxic effects of ENMs. The many variables which can be altered for an experiment, such as type, size, and concentration of ENMs, make it difficult to formulate generalizations about the uptake mechanism involved, or to make an inference on the subcellular localization and distribution of the internalized ENMs in plant tissue. In order to avoid these challenges, studies can utilize a model organism such as Arabidopsis thaliana, and a combination of analytical techniques that can reveal complementary information in order to assess how the different experimental conditions influence the uptake and phytotoxicity of ENMs. This review presents recent studies regarding plant-ENM interactions employing Arabidopsis to demonstrate how the use of this model plant can advance our understanding of plant-ENM interactions and guide additional studies using other plant species. Overarching results suggest that more sensitive tests and consistency in experimental designs are needed to fully assess and understand the phytotoxic effects of ENMs in the environment.

Transport and long-term release behavior of polymer-coated silver nanoparticles in saturated quartz sand: The impacts of input concentration, grain size and flow rate

This study investigated the transport and long-term release of stabilized poly vinylpyrrolidone-coated silver nanoparticles (PVP-AgNPs) in a quartz sand column with various sand grain sizes (0.3-0.5 μm, 0.5-1.0 μm, 1.0-2.0 μm), input concentrations of PVP-AgNP solution (1, 5, 15, 25 mg/L), and flow rates corresponding to a filter velocities (1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5 mL/min-0.14, 0.21, 0.28, 0.35 cm/min) by determining breakthrough curves, retention profiles, and long-term release curves. Breakthrough curves and retention profiles were simulated by a mathematical model based on the advection dispersion equation coupled with second-order kinetics. The increased transport of PVP-AgNPs in quartz sand occurred with increased grain sizes and reduced input concentrations, and the transport can be predicted by the colloid filtration theory and DLVO theory. The long-term (one week) release amounts of retained PVP-AgNPs were 42.78%, 31.45%, and 10.95% in the fine, medium, and coarse sand columns, respectively, and were 34.70%, 40.79%, 47.24%, and 57.32% at flow rates of 0.0363, 0.0436, 0.0545, and 0.0726 mL/min, respectively. The released quantity of retained PVP-AgNPs decreased as the sand grain size increased. This phenomenon is opposite with the trend of increased transport of PVP-AgNPs with increased grain size in the transport test, which most likely because colloidal filtration regulates the transport process and adsorption (and desorption) dominates the release process. Increasing the flow rate increased the shear force on the particles, which improved the release of PVP-AgNPs. The results of the release tests further verified our previous published studies showing that the long-term release of retained PVP-AgNPs in the quartz sand was mostly in the form of released nanoparticles rather than ions. The results of this study indicated that sand grain size, input concentration, and flow rate have a prominent influence on the transport and long-term release behavior of PVP-AgNPs in saturated quartz sand.

Biofabrication of gold nanoparticles by Lyptolyngbya JSC-1 extract as super reducing and stabilizing agents: Synthesis, characterization and antibacterial activity

This study describes the first ever utilization of cell free aqueous extract of cyanobacterium Leptolyngbya JSC-1 as a source of strong reducing and stabilizing agents for the optimal biofabrication of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) through an eco-friendly synthetic route. Well dispersed crystalline AuNPs of spherical morphology with a particle size of 100-200 nm were prepared. FTIR spectral analysis was then performed to characterize the possible functionalities of JSC-1 extract, mainly involved in stabilizing and formation of AuNPs. Based on the redox potential of JSC-1 extract, it was further confirmed that the extract provide a strong reducing environment in the reaction medium and causes reduction of gold ions. The resultant AuNPs were then explored to find out their photo-catalytic activity for methylene blue and antibacterial activities against E. coli (18 ± 2 mm) and S. aureus (14 ± 2 mm). It has been mechanistically identified that AuNPs caused bacterial membrane damage and cell disruption by inducing the production of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). Together, these finding reveals that biochemically capped AuNPs are the promising antibacterial agents that induce oxidative stress in the two bacterial species evaluated and cause their membrane disruption leading to cell leakage and death.

Genome sequencing and analysis of the first spontaneous Nanosilver resistant bacterium Proteus mirabilis strain SCDR1

Background

P. mirabilis is a common uropathogenic bacterium that can cause major complications in patients with long-standing indwelling catheters or patients with urinary tract anomalies. In addition, P. mirabilis is a common cause of chronic osteomyelitis in Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) patients. We isolated P. mirabilis SCDR1 from a Diabetic ulcer patient. We examined P. mirabilis SCDR1 levels of resistance against Nanosilver colloids, the commercial Nanosilver and silver containing bandages and commonly used antibiotics. We utilized next generation sequencing techniques (NGS), bioinformatics, phylogenetic analysis and pathogenomics in the characterization of the infectious pathogen.

Results

P. mirabilis SCDR1 was the first Nanosilver resistant isolate collected from a diabetic patient polyclonal infection. P. mirabilis SCDR1 showed high levels of resistance against Nanosilver colloids, Nanosilver chitosan composite and the commercially available Nanosilver and silver bandages. The P. mirabilis -SCDR1 genome size is 3,815,621 bp. with G + C content of 38.44%. P. mirabilis-SCDR1 genome contains a total of 3533 genes, 3414 coding DNA sequence genes, 11, 10, 18 rRNAs (5S, 16S, and 23S), and 76 tRNAs. Our isolate contains all the required pathogenicity and virulence factors to establish a successful infection. P. mirabilis SCDR1 isolate is a potential virulent pathogen that despite its original isolation site, the wound, can establish kidney infection and its associated complications. P. mirabilis SCDR1 contains several mechanisms for antibiotics and metals resistance, including, biofilm formation, swarming mobility, efflux systems, and enzymatic detoxification.

Conclusion

P. mirabilis SCDR1 is the first reported spontaneous Nanosilver resistant bacterial strain. P. mirabilis SCDR1 possesses several mechanisms that may lead to the observed Nanosilver resistance.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s13756-017-0277-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Stress response of a clinical Enterococcus faecalis isolate subjected to a novel antimicrobial surface coating

Emerging antibiotic resistance among pathogenic bacteria, paired with their ability to form biofilms on medical and technical devices, represents a serious problem for effective and long-term decontamination in health-care environments and gives rise to an urgent need for new antimicrobial materials. Here we present the impact of AGXX^®, a novel broad-spectrum antimicrobial surface coating consisting of micro-galvanic elements formed by silver and ruthenium, on the transcriptome of Enterococcus faecalis. A clinical E. faecalis isolate was subjected to metal stress by growing it for different periods in presence of the antimicrobial coating or silver-coated steel meshes. Subsequently, total RNA was isolated and next-generation RNA sequencing was performed to analyze variations in gene expression in presence of the antimicrobial materials with focus on known stress genes. Exposure to the antimicrobial coating had a large impact on the transcriptome of E. faecalis. After 24min almost 1/5 of the E. faecalis genome displayed differential expression. At each time-point the cop operon was strongly up-regulated, providing indirect evidence for the presence of free Ag⁺-ions. Moreover, exposure to the antimicrobial coating induced a broad general stress response in E. faecalis. Genes coding for the chaperones GroEL and GroES and the Clp proteases, ClpE and ClpB, were among the top up-regulated heat shock genes. Differential expression of thioredoxin, superoxide dismutase and glutathione synthetase genes indicates a high level of oxidative stress. We postulate a mechanism of action where the combination of Ag⁺-ions and reactive oxygen species generated by AGXX^® results in a synergistic antimicrobial effect, superior to that of conventional silver coatings.

Influence of the Microstructure and Silver Content on Degradation, Cytocompatibility, and Antibacterial Properties of Magnesium-Silver Alloys In Vitro

Implantation is a frequent procedure in orthopedic surgery, particularly in the aging population. However, it possesses the risk of infection and biofilm formation at the surgical site. This can cause unnecessary suffering to patients and burden on the healthcare system. Pure Mg, as a promising metal for biodegradable orthopedic implants, exhibits some antibacterial effects due to the alkaline pH produced during degradation. However, this antibacterial effect may not be sufficient in a dynamic environment, for example, the human body. The aim of this study was to increase the antibacterial properties under harsh and dynamic conditions by alloying silver metal with pure Mg as much as possible. Meanwhile, the Mg-Ag alloys should not show obvious cytotoxicity to human primary osteoblasts. Therefore, we studied the influence of the microstructure and the silver content on the degradation behavior, cytocompatibility, and antibacterial properties of Mg-Ag alloys in vitro. The results indicated that a higher silver content can increase the degradation rate of Mg-Ag alloys. However, the degradation rate could be reduced by eliminating the precipitates in the Mg-Ag alloys via T4 treatment. By controlling the microstructure and increasing the silver content, Mg-Ag alloys obtained good antibacterial properties in harsh and dynamic conditions but had almost equivalent cytocompatibility to human primary osteoblasts as pure Mg.

Transfer Study of Silver Nanoparticles in Poultry Production

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are of interest due to their antimicrobial activity and are seen as potential candidates to replace antibiotics in animal husbandry. A few studies have focused on this new application, but they lack any considerations about residual accumulation of AgNPs in edible animal tissues and animal products. In this research, a 22 day in vivo study was carried out by oral administration of 20 nm spherical PVP coated AgNPs to hens. Six doses of approximately 1 mg kg^-1 of AgNPs-PVP each were administered to animals throughout the experimentation. Atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) was used for quantitative determination of residual total Ag in different organs and matrices. The analyses showed that Ag accumulates in livers (concentration ranging from 141 μg kg^-1 to 269 μg kg^-1) and yolks (concentration ranging from 20 μg kg^-1 to 49 μg kg^-1) but not in muscles, kidneys, and albumen belonging to hens of the treated group (tG2). Ag was not detected in animals of the control group (uG1) (i.e., total Ag < LOD = 10 μg kg^-1). Single particle inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (spICP-MS) and scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray detection (SEM-EDX) were employed to elucidate the presence of AgNPs in livers and yolks belonging to tG2 animals. spICP-MS highlighted that part of residual Ag found in livers (about 5-20%) is in NP form with an average dimension of approximately 20 nm. SEM-EDX technique confirmed the presence of AgNPs only in livers of treated animals. The results show that feeding AgNPs to hens may become a source of consumer exposure to AgNPs. As far as we know this is the first study showing transfer of AgNPs or reaction products thereof from animal feed to animal products.

On-Demand Gas-to-Liquid Process To Fabricate Thermoresponsive Antimicrobial Nanocomposites and Coatings

Antimicrobial material is emerging as a major component of the mitigation strategy against microbial growth on abiotic surfaces. In this work, a newly designed process is proposed to fabricate thermoresponsive antimicrobial nanocomposites (TANs) and coatings (TACs) as an on-demand system. Thermoresponsive polymer (TRP)-incorporated silver (Ag) nanocomposites with silica nanoparticles (SNPs) or carbon nanotubes (CNTs; Ag-SNP@TRP or Ag-CNT@TRP) were produced by a single-pass gas-to-liquid process. The SNPs or CNTs were first produced by spark ablation and successively injected for dispersal in a liquid cell containing polydimethylsiloxane, poly(N-isopropylacrylamide), and silver nitrate under ultrasound irradiation. Suspensions of Ag-SNP@TRP or Ag-CNT@TRP nanocomposites were then deposited on a touch screen panel (TSP) protection film via electrohydrodynamic spray to form transparent antibacterial coatings. Fundamental antibacterial activities of TANs were evaluated against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus epidermidis. The TANs showed stronger antibacterial activities at the higher temperature for all testing conditions. Lower minimum inhibitory concentrations of Ag-SNP@TRP and Ag-CNT@TRP nanocomposites were required against the two bacteria at 37 °C compared to those at 27 °C. The TACs on display showed elevated antimicrobial activity when the panel was turned on (38.1 °C) compared with when the panel was turned off (23.8 °C). This work provides a utilizable concept to continuously fabricate TANs and TACs, and it specifically offers stimuli-sensitive control of antimicrobial activity on TSPs, including other frequently touched surfaces.

Study of the antimicrobial and antifouling properties of different oxide surfaces

Membrane separation processes find applications in an array of fields as they use far less energy and chemical agents than competing processes. However, a major drawback of membrane technology is that biofilm formation alters membrane performances. Preventing biofilm formation is thus a pivotal challenge for larger-scale development of membrane processes. Here, we studied the comparative antibacterial activities of different inorganic membranes (ceramic and zeolite-coated ceramic with or without copper exchange) using several bacterial strains (Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus subtilis). In static conditions, alumina plates coated with Cu-exchanged zeolite showed significant bactericidal activity. In dynamic mode (circulation of a contaminated nutrient medium), there was no observable bacterial adhesion at the surface of the Cu-exchanged material. These results confirm the antifouling properties of the Cu-mordenite layer due to both the increased hydrophilicity and antibacterial properties of the active layer.Tests performed with tubular filtration membranes (without copper exchange) showed a significant decline in membrane hydraulic properties during filtration of culture media containing bacteria, whereas copper-exchanged membranes showed no decline in hydraulic permeability. Filtration tests performed with concentrated culture media containing spores of B. subtilis led to a significant decrease in membrane hydraulic permeabilities (but less so with Cu-exchanged membranes). The surfaces showed less effective global antifouling properties during the filtration of a concentrated culture medium due to competition between bacterial growth and the bactericidal effect of copper. Analyses of copper leached in solution show that after a conditioning step, the amount of copper released is negligible.

Mussel-inspired chitosan-polyurethane coatings for improving the antifouling and antibacterial properties of polyethersulfone membranes

A straightforward mussel-inspired approach was proposed to construct chitosan-polyurethane coatings and load Ag nanoparticles (AgNPs) to endow polyethersulfone (PES) membranes with dual-antibacterial and antifouling properties. The macromolecule O-carboxymethyl chitosan (CMC) was directly reacted with catechol in the absence of carbodiimide chemistry to form the coating and load AgNPs via in situ reduction; while lysine (Lys) was used as a representative small molecule for comparison. Then, PEG-based polyurethane (PU) was used for constructing Lys-Ag-PU and CMC-Ag-PU composite coatings, which substantially improved the protein antifouling property of the membranes. Furthermore, the CMC-Ag-PU coating exhibited superior broad-spectrum antibacterial property towards E. coli and S. aureus than Lys-Ag-PU coating. Meanwhile, the CMC-Ag-PU coating showed sustained antifouling property against bacteria and could reload AgNPs to be regenerated as antibacterial and antifouling coating. This approach is believed to have potential to fabricate reusable antifouling and antibacterial coatings on materials surfaces for aquatic industries.

Silver Sink Effect of Humic Acid on Bacterial Surface Colonization in the Presence of Silver Ions and Nanoparticles

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) released from consumer products may enter the environment and possibly harm microbial communities. Prior research showed that surface-adherent AgNPs inhibit bacterial surface colonization, a precursor to biofilm formation, only when planktonic bacterial inoculum concentrations are less than a threshold level ( Wirth and co-workers, J. Colloid Interface Sci. 2016 , 467 , 17 - 27 ). This inoculum effect is due to a decrease in free silver ion concentration associated with sublethal binding to bacteria. Natural organic matter can be an additional silver sink in environmental systems. Using Pseudomonas fluorescens as a model biofilm-forming bacterium, we find significant increases in minimum bactericidal concentrations for AgNP suspensions and Ag⁺ in solution when adding humic acid (HA) to bacterial suspensions. When HA is present, planktonic bacteria survive and colonize AgNP-laden glass surfaces at lower bacterial inoculum concentrations than were needed for survival and colonization in its absence. This occurs despite the observed tendency of HA to inhibit colonization on bare glass surfaces when silver is absent. Results are interpreted through equilibrium Ag⁺ binding isotherms to HA and suspended bacteria. These results indicate that silver ion sinks may lessen AgNP impacts on natural microbial ecology relative to the disruption observed in pristine laboratory conditions.

Assessment of carbon nanotubes and silver nanoparticles loaded clays as adsorbents for removal of bacterial contaminants from water sources

This work evaluated the antimicrobial efficacy of kaolin clay and its loaded forms with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) against bacterial isolates from different water supplies (tap, underground and surface water) in addition to wastewater. A total of 160 water samples were collected from different water sources in the investigated districts. Samples were cultured for isolation and serological identification of pathogenic bacteria. AgNPs were synthesized by a typical one-step synthesis protocol, where CNTs were carried out in a reactor employing the double bias-assisted hot filament chemical vapor deposition method. Both were characterized using transmission electron microscopy, infrared and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy. The antimicrobial efficacy of each of natural kaolin clay, AgNPs- and CNTs-loaded clays were evaluated by their application in four concentrations (0.01, 0.03, 0.05 and 0.1 ppm) at different contact times (5 min, 15 min, 30 min and 2 h). AgNPs-loaded clays at concentrations of 0.05 and 0.1 mg/l for 2 h contact time exhibited a higher bactericidal efficacy on Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. (70, 70, 80 and 90%, respectively) compared to CNTs-loaded clay. Concluding, the application of AgNPs-loaded clay for removal of water bacterial contaminants at a concentration of 0.1 ppm for 2 h contact times resulted in highly effective removals.

Silver-loaded nanotubular structures enhanced bactericidal efficiency of antibiotics with synergistic effect in vitro and in vivo

Antibiotic-resistant bacteria have become a major issue due to the long-term use and abuse of antibiotics in treatments in clinics. The combination therapy of antibiotics and silver (Ag) nanoparticles is an effective way of both enhancing the antibacterial effect and decreasing the usage of antibiotics. Although the method has been proved to be effective in vitro, no in vivo tests have been carried out at present. Herein, we described a combination therapy of local delivery of Ag and systemic antibiotics treatment in vitro in an infection model of rat. Ag nanoparticle-loaded TiO₂ nanotube (NT) arrays (Ag-NTs) were fabricated on titanium implants for a customized release of Ag ion. The antibacterial properties of silver combined with antibiotics vancomycin, rifampin, gentamicin, and levofloxacin, respectively, were tested in vitro by minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assay, disk diffusion assay, and antibiofilm formation test. Enhanced antibacterial activity of combination therapy was observed for all the chosen bacterial strains, including gram-negative Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922), gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923), and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA; ATCC 33591 and ATCC 43300). Moreover, after a relative short (3 weeks) combinational treatment, animal experiments in vivo further proved the synergistic antibacterial effect by X-ray and histological and immunohistochemical analyses. These results demonstrated that the combination of Ag nanoparticles and antibiotics significantly enhanced the antibacterial effect both in vitro and in vivo through the synergistic effect. The strategy is promising for clinical application to reduce the usage of antibiotics and shorten the administration time of implant-associated infection.

The disinfection performance and mechanisms of Ag/lysozyme nanoparticles supported with montmorillonite clay

The fabrication of montmorillonite (Mt) decorated with lysozyme-modified silver nanoparticles (Ag/lyz-Mt) was reported. The lysozyme (lyz) was served as both reducing and capping reagent. Coupling the bactericidal activity of the lyz with AgNPs, along with the high porous structure and large specific surface area of the Mt, prevented aggregation of AgNPs and promoted nanomaterial-bacteria interactions, resulting in a greatly enhanced bactericidal capability against both Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria. This paper systematically elucidated the bactericidal mechanisms of Ag/lyz-Mt. Direct contact between the Ag/lyz-Mt surface and the bacterial cell was essential to the disinfection. Physical disruption of bacterial membrane was considered to be one of the bactericidal mechanisms of Ag/lyz-Mt. Results revealed that Ag(+) was involved in the bactericidal activity of Ag/lyz-Mt via tests conducted using Ag(+) scavengers. A positive ROS (reactive oxygen species) scavenging test indirectly confirmed the involvement of ROS (O2(-), H2O2, and OH) in the bactericidal mechanism. Furthermore, the concentrations of individual ROS were quantified. Results showed that Ag/lyz-Mt nanomaterial could be a promising bactericide for water disinfection.

Influence of CeO2 NPs on biological phosphorus removal and bacterial community shifts in a sequencing batch biofilm reactor with the differential effects of molecular oxygen

The effects of CeO₂ nanoparticles (CeO₂ NPs) on a sequencing batch biofilm reactor (SBBR) with established biological phosphorus (P) removal were investigated from the processes of anaerobic P release and aerobic P uptake. At low concentration (0.1mg/L), no significant impact was observed on total phosphorus (TP) removal after operating for 8h. However, at a concentration of 20mg/L, TP removal efficiency decreased from 83.68% to 55.88% and 16.76% when the CeO₂ NPs were added at the beginning of the anaerobic and aerobic periods, respectively. Further studies illustrated that the inhibition of the specific P release rate was caused by the reversible states of Ce³⁺ and Ce⁴⁺, which inhibited the activity of exopolyphosphatase (PPX) and transformation of poly-β-hydoxyalkanoates (PHA) and glycogen, as well as the uptake of volatile fatty acids (VFAs). The decrease in the specific P uptake rate was mainly attributed to the significantly suppressed energy generation and decreased abundance of Burkholderia caused by excess reactive oxygen species. The removal of chemical oxygen demand (COD) was not influenced by CeO₂ NPs under aerobic conditions, due to the increased abundance of Acetobacter and Acidocella after exposure. The inhibitory effects of CeO₂ NPs with molecular oxygen were reduced after anaerobic exposure due to the enhanced particle size and the presence of Ce³⁺.

Can a Silver-Coated Arthrodesis Implant Provide a Viable Alternative to Above Knee Amputation in the Unsalvageable, Infected Total Knee Arthroplasty?

BACKGROUND

In the unsalvageable, infected total knee arthroplasty, knee arthrodesis is one treatment option with lower reported reinfection rates compared with repeated 2-stage revision and improved function compared with amputation. One possible method for reducing incidence of recurrent infection treated by arthrodesis is the use of a silver-coated implant. We report our experience of silver-coated arthrodesis nails used for managing infected revision arthroplasty. We primarily assess the rate of reinfection and rate of amputation and report functional outcome measures.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of all patients undergoing knee arthrodesis with a silver-coated arthrodesis nail between 2008 and 2014. Patient-reported data were recorded prearthrodesis and postarthrodesis (Oxford Knee Score and Short Form-36) as well as evidence of recurrent of infection, subsequent surgery, and the necessity for amputation.

RESULTS

Eight patients underwent arthrodesis using the silver-coated arthrodesis nail. Mean duration of follow-up was 16 months (5-35 months). At the point of follow-up, there were no amputations, deaths, or implant revisions. One case of recurrent infection was successfully treated with washout and debridement. The mean prearthrodesis and postarthrodesis Oxford Knee Score difference was +8.9 points (P = .086) with significantly improved pain (P = .019), night pain (P = .021), and ease of standing (P = .003).

CONCLUSION

Arthrodesis of the knee using a silver-coated intramedullary device is successful in eradicating infection and allowing limb conservation. Where infection does recur, this can be successfully treated with implant retention. The use of a silver-coated arthrodesis nail should be considered as an alternative to amputation for patients with a multiply revised and infected total knee arthroplasty.

Evaluation of Some Biochemical Parameters and Brain Oxidative Stress in Experimental Rats Exposed Chronically to Silver Nitrate and the Protective Role of Vitamin E and Selenium

Due to undesirable hazardous interactions with biological systems, this investigation was undertaken to evaluate the effect of chronic exposure to silver on certain biochemical and some oxidative stress parameters with histopathological examination of brain, as well as the possible protective role of selenium and/or vitamin E as nutritional supplements. Thirty six male rats were divided into six groups of six each: the first group used as a control group. Group II given both vitamin E (400 mg/kg) of diet and selenium (Se) (1 mg/L) in their drinking water. Group III given silver as silver nitrate (AgNO₃) (20 mg/L). Group IV given vitamin E and AgNO₃. Group V given both AgNO₃ and selenium. Group VI given AgNO₃, vitamin E and Se. The animals were in the same exposure conditions for 3 months. According to the results which have been obtained; there was an increase in serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), lipase activities and cholesterol level, a decrease in serum total protein, calcium and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity in Ag-intoxicated rats. Moreover, the findings showed that Ag⁺ ions affected antioxidant defense system by decreasing superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and increasing vitamin E concentration with a high level of malondialdehyde (MDA) in brain tissue. The histological examination also exhibited some nervous tissue alterations including hemorrhage and cytoplasm vacuolization. However, the co-administration of selenium and/or vitamin E ameliorated the biochemical parameters and restored the histological alterations. In conclusion, this study indicated that silver could cause harmful effects in animal body and these effects can be more toxic in high concentrations or prolonged time exposure to this metal. However, selenium and vitamin E act as powerful antioxidants which may exercise adverse effect against the toxicity of this metal.

Water disinfection using silver nanoparticle impregnated activated carbon: Escherichia coli cell-killing in batch and continuous packed column operation over a long duration

Silver nanoparticles (Ag-NP) were selectively impregnated on the external surface of plasma treated activated carbon (AC) granules (referred to as Ag-AC hybrid, having 0.8 wt% of Ag), for achieving continuous disinfection of water in a single flow-column set-up. First, Ag-NPs (28 nm mean size) were synthesized by UV reduction. Subsequently, Escherichia coli cell-killing experiments were performed in both shake flask (i. e. batch-mode) and flow-column (i. e. continuous-mode) operations, using E. coli K12 (MTCC 1302) as a model organism. Batch results using 8 mg Ag-AC hybrid/ml of cell suspension showed that, 10(4) CFU/ml of cells were killed within 25 min contact time, with cell concentration decaying exponentially in time. Maintaining almost the same contact time as in the batch experiments, three columns packed with Ag-AC (all having a height of 25 cm but increasing diameters of 1, 5 and 8 cm, respectively) were used for monitoring cell-killing performance over a long duration. For all columns, inlet water having 10(4) CFU/ml E. coli could be completely disinfected to produce treated, outlet water having zero cell count. Specifically for the 8 cm diameter column, a maximum throughput of treating 1.62 L of contaminated water per hour could be maintained for at least up to 16 days. Moreover, the Ag concentration in the outlet water was only up to 29.8 μg/L at steady state, which is well within the recommended limit of 100 μg/L for drinking water. Hence, water disinfection for potable quality water (zero E. coli count and <100 μg/L Ag) can be achieved in a continuous manner over a long duration, with our packed Ag-AC column.