Investigating the versatility of multifunctional silver nanoparticles: preparation and inspection of their potential as wound treatment agents
Investigating the versatility of multifunctional silver nanoparticles: preparation and inspection of their potential as wound treatment agents
Geewoo Nam 0
Baskaran Purushothaman 0
Sabarinathan Rangasamy 0
Joon Myong Song 0
0 College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University , Seoul , South Korea
Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are capable of inhibiting the growth of a broad spectrum of bacterial species. The minute size of the nanoparticulates enhances their biocidal activity and is thus widely utilized as antibacterial agents. The most recently researched and recognized antibacterial and wound-healing properties of published AgNPs were investigated in this article. The following parameters of the AgNPs affecting their properties and potency were explored: particle size, shape, and type of ligand or stabilizing agent. Research regarding the antibacterial activity enhancement of high-valent silver nanoparticles compared to those of the lower valent forms were summarized and analyzed. Nanocrystalline silver is capable of binding to components that may enhance their preparation and antibacterial properties. By forming complexes with ligands that exhibit desired properties, silver nanoparticles can be synthesized to exhibit those desired properties without compromising their performance. This review will provide a detailed discussion regarding the parameter-dependent bactericidal properties of silver nanoparticles and nanocomposite silver complexes as potent multifunctional wound-healing agents.
Silver nanoparticles; Antibacterial; Wound healing; High-valence silver; Cell proliferation
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The use of silver as a medicinal substance dates back to the
times of Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine who
used silver’s medical properties to treat wounds [1].
Historically, silver was considered one of the most important
antibacterial agents before the introduction of antibiotics
[2]. Prior to the discovery of antibiotics, the desperate need
of materials with antibacterial properties was followed by
the application of silver in sutures, postoperative
inflammation and infection prevention, and treatment of battle
wounds during World War I. Usage of antibiotics,
enzymes, metal ions, and quaternary ammonium
compounds poses disadvantages, including the development of
drug resistance and detrimental effects regarding the
environment [3]. Numerous theories of the antibacterial
mechanism of silver have been suggested in the past as the
interest in silver’s ability to fight microorganisms grew.
Silver atoms are known to attach to the sulfur in thiol of
vital enzymes involved in biological processes including
ion transport and transmembrane energy generation [4].
Silver acts as a reducing agent to catalyze the reaction
between cellular oxygen and hydrogen of thiol groups
resulting in disulfide bonds [5]. Modifications in vital
cellular molecules can provoke alterations in the cellular
structure causing malfunctions that may finally result in
apoptosis or necrosis. Disruption of cell respiration is a
sure-fire cause of cell death. A decrease in the expression
of maltose transporter, succinyl-coenzyme A synthetase,
30S ribosomal subunit protein, and fructose bisphosphate
aldolase was observed in the cells treated with a 900 ppb
silver ion solution [6]. The silver ions deactivate the 30S
ribosomal subunit by binding to it. The deactivation of the
ribosome complex leads to the interference in the
translation of proteins [6]. Succinyl-coenzyme A synthase, a
crucial component of the TCA cycle, catalyzes the reaction
that yields succinate from succinyl-CoA and
simultaneously phosphorylates ADP to make ATP [7]. Disruption of
glycolysis via silver is caused by the deactivation of
fructose bisphosphate aldolase. Fructose bisphosphate aldolase
catalyzes the cleavage of fructose-1,6-bisphosphate into
glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate and dihydroxyacetone
phosphate [7]. A maltose transporter, MalK, present in the
cytoplasmic membrane is another vital organelle affected
by the silver [8]. The disruption of any one of these
processes can contribute to the mortality of bacterial cells.
Other mechanisms regarding silver’s mechanism of action
concerns silver’s intracellular interaction with differing cell
components. Klueh et al. proposed that Ag? ions can enter
cells and denature DNA molecules especially by disrupting
the hydrogen bonds between purine and pyrimidine base
pairs [4]. The presence of numerous possible disruptions of
cell functions may explain silver’s capability of inhibiting
bacterial growth of various species. Silver is currently used
in wound dressings [9], endotracheal tubes [10], surgical
masks [11], cotton fibers [12], drinking water purification
[13], antibacterial glass [7], food packaging [14], clothing,
burn wound-care cream, and many other everyday
applications. The antibacterial properties of silver are only
exhibited in its ionic form. It has been reported that
nonionized silver from an insoluble silver source is unabl (...truncated)