Synthesis and antimicrobial activity of a silver-hydroxyapatite nanocomposite

Abstract

A silver-hydroxyapatite nanocomposite has been obtained by a colloidal chemical route and subsequent reduction process in H2/Ar atmosphere at 350 °C. This material has been characterized by TEM, XRD, and UV-Visible spectroscopy, showing the silver nanoparticles ( 65nm) supported onto the HA particles ( 130nm) surface without a high degree of agglomeration. The bactericidal effect against common Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria has been also investigated. The results indicated a high antimicrobial activity for Staphylococcus aureus, Pneumococcus and Escherichia coli, so this material can be a promising antimicrobial biomaterial for implant and reconstructive surgery applications. Copyright © 2009 Marcos Diaz et al.