Formation of antimicrobial silver nanoparticles on silica

Abstract

A new antimicrobial material based on silica with SiO₂/Ag⁰ silver nanoparticles of various sizes immobilized on the surface has been synthesized. The application of Ag⁺ cations from the solution to the surface of the SiO₂ carrier and the embedding of reduced Ag⁰ silver nanoparticles into the Silochrome C-80 silica structure leads to a uniform distribution of nanoparticles around mesopores, and also contributes to the appearance of antibacterial properties. The decisive role of acid-base SiO₂ centers in the antibacterial activity of SiO₂/Ag⁰ nanostructures has been established and its conditions have been determined by changing the size and localization of Ag⁰ nanoparticles as a result of heat treatment at 500 °C, which leads to a decrease in the minimum inhibitory concentration by 6-7 times.