Antibacterial silver-containing silica glass prepared by sol-gel method

Application of nanosilver surface modification to RO membrane and spacer for mitigating biofouling in seawater desalination

Biofouling is one the most critical problems in seawater desalination plants and science has not yet found effective ways to control it. Silver compounds and ions are historically recognized for their effective antimicrobial activity. Nanosilver particles have been applied as a biocide in many aspects of disinfection, including healthcare products and water treatment. This study proposes an innovative biofouling control approach by surface modification of the RO membrane and spacer with nanosilver coating. A chemical reduction method was used for directly coating nanosilver particles on the membrane sheet and spacer. The surface-modified membrane and spacer were tested for their antifouling performance in a cross-flow flat-sheet membrane cell, which is a part of a pilot plant in Wukan desalination plant. The silver-coating membranes and spacers, along with an unmodified membrane sheet, were tested in the membrane cell and compared on the basis of their antifouling performance. Permeate flux decline and salt rejection was continuously monitored through the testing period. Meanwhile regrowth of microbial populations on the membrane cell was quantified by a unique microbial counting every three to four days. The results showed that both silver-coated membrane (Ag-cM) with uncoated spacer and silver-coated spacer (Ag-cS) with uncoated membrane performed better than the unmodified membrane and spacer (Un-MS), in terms of much slower decrease in permeate flux and TDS rejection. However, the effect of silver-coated spacer on antimicrobial activity was more lasting. In the silver-coated spacer test, there was almost no multiplication of cells detected on the membrane during the whole testing period. Besides, the cells adhering to the membrane seemed to lose their activity quickly. According to the RO performance and microbial growth morphology, the nanosilver coating technology is valuable for use in biofouling control in seawater desalination.

Silver diamine fluoride: a caries "silver-fluoride bullet"

The antimicrobial use of silver compounds pivots on the 100-year-old application of silver nitrate, silver foil, and silver sutures for the prevention and treatment of ocular, surgical, and dental infections. Ag(+) kills pathogenic organisms at concentrations of <50 ppm, and current/potential anti-infective applications include: acute burn coverings, catheter linings, water purification systems, hospital gowns, and caries prevention. To distill the current best evidence relative to caries, this systematic review asked: Will silver diamine fluoride (SDF) more effectively prevent caries than fluoride varnish? A five-database search, reference review, and hand search identified 99 human clinical trials in three languages published between 1966 and 2006. Dual review for controlled clinical trials with the patient as the unit of observation, and excluding cross-sectional, animal, in vitro studies, and opinions, identified 2 studies meeting the inclusion criteria. The trials indicated that SDF's lowest prevented fractions for caries arrest and caries prevention were 96.1% and 70.3%, respectively. In contrast, fluoride varnish's highest prevented fractions for caries arrest and caries prevention were 21.3% and 55.7%, respectively. Similarly, SDF's highest numbers needed to treat for caries arrest and caries prevention were 0.8 (95% CI=0.5-1.0) and 0.9 (95% CI=0.4-1.1), respectively. For fluoride varnish, the lowest numbers needed to treat for caries arrest and prevention were 3.7 (95% CI=3.4-3.9) and 1.1 (95% CI=0.7-1.4), respectively. Adverse events were monitored, with no significant differences between control and experimental groups. These promising results suggest that SDF is more effective than fluoride varnish, and may be a valuable caries-preventive intervention. As well, the availability of a safe, effective, efficient, and equitable caries-preventive agent appears to meet the criteria of both the WHO Millennium Goals and the US Institute of Medicine's criteria for 21st century medical care.

Surface silver-doping of biocompatible glass to induce antibacterial properties. Part I: Massive glass

A glass belonging to the system SiO(2)-Al(2)O(3)-CaO-Na(2)O has been subjected to a patented ion-exchange treatment to induce surface antibacterial activity by doping with silver ions. Doped samples have been characterized by means of X-Ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observation, energy dispersion spectrometry (EDS) analysis, in vitro bioactivity test, Ag(+) leaching test by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy (GFAAS) analyses, cytotoxicity tests by fibroblasts adhesion and proliferation, adsorption of IgA and IgG on to the material to evaluate its inflammatory property and antibacterial tests (cultures with Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli). In vitro tests results demonstrated that the modified glass maintains the same biocompatibility of the untreated one and, moreover, it acquires an antimicrobial action against tested bacteria. This method can be selected to realize glass or glass-ceramic bone substitutes as well as coatings on bio-inert devices, providing safety against bacterial colonization thus reducing the risks of infections nearby the implant site. The present work is the carrying on of a previous research activity, concerning the application of an ion-exchange treatment on glasses belonging to the ternary system SiO(2)-CaO-Na(2)O. On the basis of previous results the glass composition was refined and the ion-exchange process was adapted to it, in order to tune the final material properties. The addition of Al(2)O(3) to the original glass system and the optimization of the ion-exchange conditions allowed a better control of the treatment, leading to an antibacterial material, without affecting both bioactivity and biocompatibility.

Surface coatings for improvement of bone cell materials and antimicrobial activities of Ti implants

Ti surface was modified to simultaneously improve bone cell materials and antimicrobial activities. Titanium surface was first anodized in sodium fluoride and sulfuric acid electrolytic solution to form titania nanotube on the surface to improve the biocompatibility of the surface. Silver was electrodeposited on the titania nanotube surface at 5 V. Silver added titania nanotube surface was tested for compatibility with bone-cell materials interactions using human osteoblast bone cells. The antibacterial effect was studied using Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Our results show that silver-treated titania nanotube surface may provide antibacterial properties to prevent implants against postoperative infections without interference to the attachment and proliferation of bone tissue on titanium, which is commonly used in dental and orthopedic surgical procedures.

Anti-bacterial and cytotoxic properties of plasma sprayed silver-containing HA coatings

Silver-containing hydroxyapatite (HA) coatings have been prepared on titanium substrate by vacuum plasma spraying (VPS) method and anti-bacterial properties of the coatings were examined. Three types of bacteria stains, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus, were employed in this test. The results showed that the silver-containing HA coatings exhibited significant anti-bacterial effects against the three bacteria with anti-bacterial ratios higher than 95%. The release of silver ions in the physiological environment ensured excellent anti-bacterial properties of the silver-containing HA coatings. International standard ISO 10993-12 was adopted for cytotoxicity evaluation using fibroblast cell line L929, and it was found that the cytotoxicity for the coatings ranked 0 that showed no cytotoxicity for the coatings. Hemolysis test was processed according to ASTM F 756 standard with anti-coagulated rabbit blood, and the hemolysis ratios of the coatings were below 0.4%, indicating of non-hemolysis for the coatings.

The Antimicrobial Effect of Silver Ion Impregnation into Endodontic Sealer against Streptococcus mutans

Pulpal and periradicular diseases are primarily caused by bacterial invasion of the root canal system as a result of caries progression. The presence of residual bacteria at the time of root canal completion (obturation) is associated with significantly higher rate of treatment failure. Re-infection of obturated root canals can be potentially prevented by enhancing the antibacterial activities of root canal obturation materials. We evaluated, in an in vitro model, the antimicrobial efficacy of silver ions added to a common endodontic sealer. For that purpose we performed growth inhibition studies and bacterial viability tests. We measured the zone of inhibition, optical density and performed confocal laser scanning microscopy. Our results show that the silver ions enhance the antimicrobial activity of the root canal sealer against Streptococcus mutans. This study approach may hold promise for studying other biologically based therapies and therefore increasing the success rate of routine orthograde root canal treatment.

Study on the heat resistant property of Ag/4A antibacterial agent

The heat resistant property of silver-loading zeolite 4A antibacterial agent (SLZ) was investigated by heat treatment methodology. The morphological and structural changes of the specimens were characterized by using differential thermal analyzer (TG-DTA), scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction techniques. The particle size of the specimens was measured by Malvern instruments zetasizer systems, and silver content of specimens was determined by inductively coupled plasma spectrometer. Escherichia coli (E. coli) was chosen as indicators of fecal contamination to evaluate the antibacterial effect of the specimens by minimum inhibitory concentration method. The service life of the specimens was also tested. The experimental results indicated that as heat-treatment temperature increases, the particle size increases, more aggregating occurs, silver content decreases, the color of SLZ gradually changes from white to brown, and the antibacterial ability falls. The release rate of Ag(+) cation from SLZ became slow after heat treatment at 400, 450, and 500 degrees C, thus resulting in prolonged service life of SLZ. When the heat-treatment temperature approached 800 degrees C, the collapse of SLZ structure occurred, and the crystals of SiO(2) and Al(2)O(3) were formed after recrystallization. Consequently, the heat resistant temperature of SLZ can be as high as 500 degrees C. SLZ could be used in antibacterial plastics, antibacterial fibers, or biomedical materials.

Antibacterial Activity of Silver-Doped Glasses and Glass-Ceramics

A glass (G) and a glass-ceramic (GC) of different composition were selected and studied to realize a biocompatible e/o bioactive material with antibacterial properties through the introduction of silver ions. The glass was produced in bulk form, instead glass-ceramic powders were sintered to abtain massive samples, which are characterized in terms of biocompatibility and subjected to ion- exchange technique [1] to allow the silver ions introduction and modify only the external surface layer of the materials, thus maintaining unchanged the bulk characteristics. The obtained samples were completely characterized to verify if the silver introduction leads to structural, morphological or in vitro behaviour change; silver release test was also carried out as well as antibacterial test with Staphylococcus Aureus and cytotoxicity test on human cells.

Chemical Durability and Anti-Microbial Property of Silver-Doped Colloidal Silica

Silver-doped silica gel was prepared by the reaction of colloidal silica and AgNO3. In the synthetic process, aluminum ions promote the chemical durability of silver-doped silica gel with dramatically decreasing the elusion of silica ions at the aqueous solution. Especially, aluminum ions induce slow release silver ion of silver-doped silica gel over a long period of time. Also, antimicrobial effects evaluated using a shake flask method resulted in a disinfection ratio of Staphylococcus aureus(ATCC 6538) and Escherichia coli(ATCC 25922) of over 99.9%, indicating high anti-microbial properties.

Preparation of Antibacterial Ceramics with Silver-Carrying Nano-Hydroxyapatite

In this paper, antibacterial agent of silver-carrying nano-hydroxyapatite is synthesized by an ion exchange reaction, which is mixed thoroughly with a commercial glaze for antibacterial ceramics. The valence states of Ag in antibacterial agent are confirmed to be +1 and 0 by XPS. Antibacterial effect against bacterium of E. coli is also tested. Experimental results indicate that the antibacterial ceramics exhibit excellent antibacterial performances, with bactericidal rate of 99.92%.

The Interface Reaction between an Ag+-Doped TiO2 Film and Stainless Steel Substrate

Ag+-doped TiO2 films on stainless steel were prepared by a sol-gel method and their microstructures and compositions were studied with X-Ray Diffractometer, Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy. It was shown that Fe atoms in untreated stainless steel react with Ag+ in the TiO2 film and form FeTiO3, which has an acicular crystal form under SEM observation. As a result, Ag+ in the film is reduced to the silver atom, which degrades the antibacterial property of the film. However, after an oxidization of the substrate, a layer of ferric oxide is formed, which reacts with Fe atoms that would otherwise react with and reduce Ag+, and then forms FeTiO3. Thus, the penetration of Fe atoms is stopped and Ag+ in the anatase-structure TiO2 film is protected from the reduction, which enhanced antibacterial property of the film.

Antibacterial Activity of Plastics Coated with Silver-Doped Organic−Inorganic Hybrid Coatings Prepared by Sol−Gel Processes

Silver-doped organic-inorganic hybrid coatings were prepared starting from tetraethoxysilane- and triethoxysilane-terminated poly(ethylene glycol)-block-polyethylene by the sol-gel process. They were applied as a thin layer (0.6-1.1 microm) to polyethylene (PE) and poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) films and the antibacterial activity of the coated films was tested against Gram-negative (Escherichia coli ATCC 25922) and Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538) bacteria. The effect of several factors (such as organic-inorganic ratio, type of catalyst, time of post-curing, silver ion concentration, etc.) was investigated. Measurements at different contact times showed a rapid decrease of the viable count for both tested strains. The highest antibacterial activity [more than 6 log reduction within 6 h starting from 106 colony-forming units (cfu) mL-1] was obtained for samples with an organic-inorganic weight ratio of 80:20 and 5 wt % silver salt with respect to the coating. For the coatings prepared by an acid-catalyzed process, a high level of permanence of the antibacterial activity of the coated films was demonstrated by repeatedly washing the samples in warm water or by immersion in physiological saline solution at 37 degrees C for 3 days. The release of silver ions per square meter of coating is very similar to that previously observed for polyamides filled with metallic silver nanoparticles; however, when compared on the basis of Ag content, the concentration of silver ions released from the coating is much higher than that released from 1 mm thick specimens of polyamide (PA) filled with silver nanoparticles. Transparency and good adhesion of the coating to PE and PVC plastic substrates without any previous surface treatment are further interesting features.

Structure and dissolution investigation of calcium-bismuth-borate glasses and vitroceramics containing silver

Quaternary Ag(2)O-CaO-Bi(2)O(3)-B(2)O(3) glasses and glassceramics are investigated with regard to release behaviour and local structure. The dissolution behaviour in water and physiological serum shows that the cations are released rapidly or gradually and points out a multi-step process, generally characterised by higher rates in water than in physiological serum. The structural effect of silver addition to bismuth-borate glasses is observed from infrared spectroscopic data. The antibacterial activity of the investigated samples was tested on six bacterial media.

Preparation and Effectiveness of Antibacterial Hydroxyapatite Powder Containing Silver

A method of the preparation of an antibacterial ceramic powder is introduced in this paper. Hydroxyapatite is selected to absorb tightly and retain silver for antibacterial ceramic powder. The effect of antibacterial properties against bacterium of S.aureus and E.coli are tested. This antibacterial ceramic has sufficient antibacterial power. The antibacterial effectiveness of this antibacterial powder can reach almost 100%.

The Physical and Antibacterial Properties of Argentine-Doped TiO2 Film on Stainless Steel Substrate

The aim of the present study is to investigate the physical properties and antibacterial performances of Ag+-doped TiO2 film on stainless steel and effects of surface oxidization. In the experiment, the surface of stainless steel was been oxidized by heat treatment (550°C, 1 hour) before the Ag+-doped TiO2 (anatase) film being formed by sol-gel method. Sample A (filmed after surface oxidization), B (filmed without surface oxidization), C (only surface oxidization) and D (neither oxidized nor filmed) were respectively tested for corrosive resistance, abrasive resistance and adhesiveness, and the samples with different content of argentine was tested for antibacterial performance. Results: 1) Corrosion rates of sample A, B, C and D in 10% FeCl3 solution are respectively 1.65%, 1.87%, 2.02% and 3.28%, suggesting that the film has protected the stainless steel from the corrosion; 2) Scratching using a loaded (150 g) pin makes no crack on surface of sample A, while it results a slight scuffing on surface of sample B, suggesting that the surface oxidization has enhanced the abrasive resistance and adhesiveness of the TiO2 film, which may be due to the bridge-like function of the oxidation film; 3)Antibacterial performance is enhanced as the content of doping argentine increases, exceeding 90% when the argentine reached 3%, and the TiO2 film on the oxidized stainless steel performs better in antibacterial test than untreated one.

Structure and Antibacterial Properties of Ag-Doped TiO2 Porous Materials

Antibacterial Ag-doped TiO2 porous monolithics were firstly prepared by hybridization of polyethylene glycol, Ti(OC4H9)4 and AgNO3 via sol-gel method following by heat-treatment to remove the organic components. Thermogravimeter−differential thermal analysis, pore structure, infrared spectra, ultraviolet−visible spectra, release speed of silver ions into 30°C water and antibacterial properties of Ag-doped TiO2 samples made at different temperature were studied. The results showed that anatase phase and uniform pore structure can be formed after heated at 500°C. Ag+ ions from the samples heated at 500°C were stably released into water at 30°C up to 14 days. The material treated at 500°C has the best antibacterial property and can restrain Escherichia coli effectively.

Antimicrobial effect of silver-doped phosphate-based glasses

In this study a range of phosphate-based glasses (PBG) doped with silver have been investigated for their antimicrobial activities. In disk diffusion assays, these compositions demonstrated microbistatic effects against a range of organisms including Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Bacillus cereus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans. The data obtained from the above studies allowed for an additional range of PBG containing lower amounts of silver to be studied for their effects on the growth and viability of S. aureus, E. coli, and C. albicans. PBG containing 3 and 5 mol % Ag were bactericidal for S. aureus and E. coli and significantly decreased the growth rate of C. albicans. A decrease in the dissolution rates of the glasses was seen with increasing Ag content over the range of concentrations investigated. Overall, 3 mol % Ag incorporated into the PBG investigated was sufficient to mount a potent antibacterial effect against the test organisms, and these compositions also gave excellent long-term release of Ag ions into the medium.

Antibacterial activity of silver-doped silica glass microspheres prepared by a sol-gel method

Various kinds of inorganic substances doped with silver ions have been developed as antibacterial materials, and some have already been commercialized. Previously, we successfully prepared colorless silica glass microspheres doped with silver ions in combination with aluminum ions by a sol-gel method. However, the antibacterial activity of the microspheres was not maintained for long periods in an aqueous environment, since the silver ions were located only in a thin layer near the surface of the microspheres. In this study, silica glass microspheres in which silver ions are uniformly distributed were attempted to be prepared. A tetraethoxysilane ethanol solution was mixed with aqueous silver nitrate and aluminum nitrate solutions to be subjected to almost simultaneous hydrolysis and polycondensation. An ammonia solution was then added, to form microspheres. Monodispersed microspheres about 0.1 microm in diameter were obtained, which did not show coloring even after heat treatment at 600-1000 degrees C, indicating that the silver in the microspheres took the form of Ag(+) ions and not colloid, even after the heat treatments. Microspheres heat-treated at temperatures ranging from 700 to 800 degrees C showed much higher antibacterial activity than commercial antibacterial zeolites and maintained their high antibacterial activities for long periods in an aqueous environment. Polypropylene plates and films mixed with the microspheres heat-treated at 800 degrees C showed excellent antibacterial properties.

Preparation and Characterization of the Antibacterial Cu Nanoparticle Formed on the Surface of SiO2Nanoparticles

Cu deposition on the surface of spherical SiO2 nanoparticles was studied to achieve the hybrid structure of Cu-SiO2 nanocomposite. SiO2 nanoparticles served as seeds for continuous Cu metal deposition. The chemical structure and morphology were studied with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscope energy dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX), and a transmission electron microscope (TEM). The antibacterial properties of the Cu-SiO2 nanocomposite were examined with disk diffusion assays. The homogeneously formed Cu nanoparticles on the surface of SiO2 nanoparticles without aggregation of Cu nanoparticles showed excellent antibacterial ability.

Antimicrobial activity on glass materials subject to disinfectant xerogel coating

The antimicrobial compound dodecyl-di(aminoethyl)-glycine was immobilized in a silicon oxide xerogel matrix and used for glass surface coating. Coated glasses were tested for surface antimicrobial activity. The utilization of tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) as a silicon oxide polymer precursor, using the dip-coating process, allowed for the generation of transparent thin films over glass surfaces. Different concentrations of the antimicrobial compound were used to generate the coatings. The presence of dodecyl-di(aminoethyl)-glycine on coated and uncoated slides was analyzed by FT-IR spectra. Coated glass slides were exposed to suspensions of Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus for 24 h. Surface contamination was evaluated by the microbial plate count technique. When antimicrobial-coated glasses were compared with antimicrobial-free coated glasses, the former showed greater than 99% reduction of colony-forming units (cfu) for E. coli and P. aeruginosa, when 1% of antimicrobial was present in the coating solution. The same percentage of reduction for S. aureus was achieved when 1.5% of the antimicrobial was present in the coating solution. In a direct inhibition test on agar plates, no inhibitory zone was observed, indicating that the antimicrobial did not diffuse into the media.

Antibacterial properties of Ag nanoparticle loaded multilayers and formation of magnetically directed antibacterial microparticles

Antibacterial coatings based on hydrogen-bonded multilayers containing in situ synthesized Ag nanoparticles were created on planar surfaces and on magnetic colloidal particles. We report the antibacterial properties of these coatings, determined using a disk-diffusion (Kirby-Bauer) test, as a function of the film thickness and the concentration of Ag nanoparticles in the hydrogen-bonded multilayers. The zone of inhibition (ZoI) determined by the disk-diffusion test increases as the thickness of the multilayer film is increased. Results obtained for the values of the ZoI as a function of film thickness can be described adequately with a simple diffusion model (i.e., the square of the zone of inhibition (ZoI) depended linearly on the logarithm of the thickness of the silver-loaded films). This observation suggests that, in order to incrementally increase the ZoI, an exponentially increasing amount of Ag is required within the multilayers. In general, there was no statistically significant correlation between the zone of inhibition and the number of Ag loading and reduction cycles. The duration of sustained release of antibacterial Ag ions from these coatings, however, could be prolonged by increasing the total supply of zerovalent silver in the films via multiple loading and reduction cycles. These results indicate that the release of silver is controlled by an oxidation mechanism at the surface of the nanoparticles and that repeated loading and reduction of silver leads preferentially to growth of the existing silver nanoparticles in the film as opposed to nucleation of new Ag nanoparticles. We also show that magnetic microspheres coated with silver nanoparticle loaded hydrogen-bonded multilayer thin films can be used to deliver antibacterial agents to specific locations. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of nanocomposite coated microspheres was determined by the agar dilution technique: antibacterial magnetic microspheres with higher concentrations of Ag nanoparticles exhibited lower MIC values.

Surface characterization of silver-doped bioactive glass

A bioactive glass belonging to the system SiO(2)-CaO-Na(2)O was doped with silver ions by ion exchange in molten salts as well as in aqueous solution. The ion exchange in the solution was done to check if it is possible to prepare an antimicrobial material using a low silver content. The doped glass was characterized by means of X-ray diffraction, SEM observation, EDS analysis, bioactivity test (soaking in a simulated body fluid), leaching test (GFAAS analyses) and cytotoxicity test. It is demonstrated that these surface silver-doped glasses maintain, or even improve, the bioactivity of the starting glass. The measured quantity of released silver into simulated body fluid compares those reported in literature for the antibacterial activity and the non-cytotoxic effect of silver. Cytotoxicity tests were carried out to understand the effect of the doped surfaces on osteogenic cell adhesion and proliferation.

Vascular graft infections:In vitro andin vivo investigations of a new vascular graft with long-term protection

We investigated a polyester vascular prosthesis (PET) coated with elemental silver (SC). Measurement of silver release over a period of 52 weeks by means of inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry of PET with (PET-G) and without (PET-N) gelatine impregnation revealed a silver release on the first day of 1.2 +/- 0.2 microg (PET-N) and 1.2 +/- 0.1 microg (PET-G) (calculated for 1 g of prosthesis); from the 90th day onward, it was between 0.22 +/- 0.14 microg (PET-N) and 0.18 +/- 0.12 microg (PET-G) per day. The prostheses were incubated with Staphylococcus aureus (S.a.), Staphylococcus epidermidis (S.e.), or Escherichia coli (E.c.) to investigate in vitro antibacterial efficacy. After 6 h of incubation, no colony-forming units were to be seen for any of the bacterial suspensions for PET with SC (p < 0.001). To investigate in vivo antibacterial efficacy, PET-G rings with and without SC contaminated with S.a., S.e., or E.c. were implanted in 18 albino rabbits and examined 7 days after agar culture for 48 h. The silver coating was associated with a significant reduction in bacterial growth (S.a., p = 0.001; S.e., p < 0.005; E.c., p < 0.001). The silver-coated prosthesis, with and without gelatine impregnation, had a significantly antibacterial effect with continuous release of silver.

Surface-grafted viologen for precipitation of silver nanoparticles and their combined bactericidal activities

A viologen, N-hexyl-N'-(4-vinylbenzyl)-4,4'-bipyridinium dinitrate (HVVN), was synthesized and subsequently graft-copolymerized on poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) films. Silver nanoparticles can be deposited on the surface of the HVVN-PET film through photoinduced reduction of the silver ions in salt solution. The size and distribution of the silver nanoparticles can be varied by changing the reaction time. The pyridinium groups of the HVVN graft-copolymerized on the surface of the substrate possess bactericidal effects on Escherichia coli, and this antibacterial effect can be very significantly enhanced by the incorporation of silver nanoparticles on the HVVN-PET film. The dual functionalities of HVVN and silver remain stable after prolonged immersion in phosphate buffer solution and after aging in a weathering chamber.

Preparation and antibacterial effects of Ag–SiO2 thin films by sol–gel method

In the present study, silver-doped silica thin films were successfully prepared by sol-gel method to apply for antibacterial materials. The starting solution was prepared from 1:0.24:3.75:2.2 molar ratios of Si(OC2H5)4):AgNO3:H2O:C2H5OCH2CH2OH and then the pH value controlled at 3 with 0.5 N HNO3 solution. The formation of silver-doped glassy silica thin films at various temperatures was investigated through infrared spectroscopy, ultraviolet-visible, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. From these analysis data, it was found that silver ions were completely trapped in the silica matrix and their reduction could be achieved at 600 degrees C annealing temperature. The antibacterial effects of silica thin films against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were examined by film attachment method. The coating films had an excellent antibacterial performance.

Antibacterial properties of resin composites and dentin bonding systems

This paper reviews the research conducted on the evaluation of antibacterial properties of commercial composites and adhesive systems, in addition to the discussion on many attempts to achieve antibacterial composites or adhesives. With regard to composites, commercially available products including fluoride-releasing materials have no antibacterial effect after being cured, which may explain why composites accumulate more plaque than other filling materials. The attempts to provide composites with antibacterial properties involve alterations to the resin components and filler components, and the trials can be subsequently classified into two groups based on the release profile of antibacterial components; agent-releasing or non-agent-releasing materials. Each type of antibacterial composite has advantages and disadvantages, and further modifications are needed to achieve clinically useful materials. Among proprietary dentin bonding systems (DBS), the products which contain glutaraldehyde or have an acidic property exhibit some antibacterial effects. However, the antibacterial properties shown by these products are only side-effects which are derived from the constituents included to produce superior bonding characteristics, and appear to be unreliable. Inclusion of antibacterial components into DBS has also been attempted using several methods, and the results of in vitro tests indicate that some of the trials seem promising. It is worthy of continuing the attempts to develop DBS which can inhibit invading bacteria after the placement of restoration as well as residual bacteria in the cavity. Achievement of bio-functional composites or DBS with therapeutic effects would contribute to prevent secondary caries.

Preparation of antibacterial silver-doped silica glass microspheres

Various types of inorganic substances doped with silver ions have been developed as antibacterial materials, and some have already been commercialized. Colorless and chemically durable materials that slowly release silver ions are, however, still need to be developed. The present authors have previously shown that when a silica glass doped with silver and aluminium ions is prepared using the sol-gel method, the resultant product is colorless, chemically durable, and slowly releases silver ions into water over a long period. The doped silica glass takes a form of microspheres <1 microm in diameter, it is easily mixed with organic polymers, and the mixture can be formed into a thin film or fine fibers, etc. We report on the preparation of silver doped silica glass microspheres having a diameter =1 microm, using the sol-gel method. Initially, tetraethoxysilane was partially prehydrolyzed by water in ethanol, and then aluminium triisopropoxide was added to the solution to form Si-O-Al bonds. Finally, an ammonia solution containing silver nitrate was added to form silica microspheres doped with silver ion together with aluminium ions. The results show monodispersed microspheres 0.4-0.6 microm in diameter were obtained with nominal compositions of Si/Al/Ag = 1/0.01-0.03/0.003-0.03, with a molar ratio of Al/Ag = 1-3.3. The microspheres were colorless, showed a high chemical durability, and slowly released silver ions into water at 37 degrees C. Microspheres with the composition Si/Al/Ag = 1/0.01/0.01 showed excellent antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the microspheres was 400, which is less than the MIC value (800) of commercial antibacterial materials.

Broad-spectrum bactericidal activity of Ag(2)O-doped bioactive glass

Bioactive glass has found extensive application as an orthopedic and dental graft material and most recently also as a tissue engineering scaffold. Here we report an initial investigation of the in vitro antibacterial properties of AgBG, a novel bioactive glass composition doped with Ag(2)O. The bacteriostatic and bactericidal properties of this new material and of two other bioactive glass compositions, 45S5 Bioglass and BG, have been studied by using Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus as test microorganisms. Concentrations of AgBG in the range of 0.05 to 0.20 mg of AgBG per ml of culture medium were found to inhibit the growth of these bacteria. Not only was AgBG bacteriostatic, but it also elicited a rapid bactericidal action. A complete bactericidal effect was elicited within the first hours of incubation at AgBG concentrations of 10 mg ml(-1). 45S5 Bioglass and BG had no effect on bacterial growth or viability. The antibacterial action of AgBG is attributed exclusively to the leaching of Ag(+) ions from the glass matrix. Analytical measurements rule out any contribution to AgBG-mediated bacterial killing by changes in pH or ionic strength or the dissolution of other ionic species from the biomaterials. Our observations of the dissolution profiles of Ag(+) from AgBG in the presence and absence of bacteria are consistent with silver accumulation by the bacteria.

Influence of surface modifications to titanium on antibacterial activity in vitro

The antibacterial effect of surface modifications to titanium on Porphyromonas gingivalis ATCC 33277 and Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans ATCC 43718 was evaluated. Surface modifications were performed with dry processes including ion implantation (Ca+, N+, F+), oxidation (anode oxidation, titania spraying), ion plating (TiN, alumina), and ion beam mixing (Ag, Sn, Zn, Pt) with Ar+ on polished pure titanium plates. F+-implanted specimens significantly inhibited the growth of both P. gingivalis and A. actinomycetemcomitans than the polished titanium. The other surface-modified specimens did not exhibit effective antibacterial activity against both bacteria. No release of the fluorine ion was detected from F-implanted specimens under dissolution testing. This result and the characterization of the F+-implanted surfaces suggested that the possible antibacterial mechanism of the F+-implanted specimen was caused by the formation of a metal fluoride complex on the surfaces. In addition, F+-implanted surfaces did not inhibit the proliferation of fibroblast L929-cells. These findings indicate that surface modification by means of a dry process is useful in providing antibacterial activity of oral bacteria to titanium implants exposed to the oral cavity.