Antimicrobial polyethyleneimine-silver nanoparticles in a stable colloidal dispersion

Hyun Ju Lee, Se Guen Lee, Eun Jung Oh, Ho Yun Chung, Sang Ik Han, Eun Jung Kim, Song Yi Seo, Han Do Ghim, Jeong Hyun Yeum, Jin Hyun Choi

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

94 Scopus citations

Abstract

Excellent colloidal stability and antimicrobial activity are important parameters for silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in a range of biomedical applications. In this study, polyethyleneimine (PEI)-capped silver nanoparticles (PEI-AgNPs) were synthesized in the presence of sodium borohydride (NaBH 4) and PEI at room temperature. The PEI-AgNPs had a positive zeta potential of approximately +49mV, and formed a stable nanocolloid against agglomeration due to electrostatic repulsion. The particle size and hydrodynamic cluster size showed significant correlations with the amount of PEI and NaBH 4. PEI-AgNPs and even PEI showed excellent antimicrobial activity against Staphylococus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae. The cytotoxic effects of PEI and PEI-AgNPs were confirmed by an evaluation of the cell viability. The results suggest that the amount of PEI should be minimized to the level that maintains the stability of PEI-AgNPs in a colloidal dispersion.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)505-511
Number of pages7
JournalColloids and Surfaces B: Biointerfaces
Volume88
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Nov 2011

Keywords

  • Antimicrobial activity
  • Cytotoxicity
  • Polyethyleneimine
  • Silver nanoparticles
  • Sodium borohydride
  • Stability

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