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 language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 505-511 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | Colloids and Surfaces B: Biointerfaces |
Volume | 88 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 1 Nov 2011 |
Keywords
- Antimicrobial activity
- Cytotoxicity
- Polyethyleneimine
- Silver nanoparticles
- Sodium borohydride
- Stability