Synthesis and characterization of antibacterial Ag-SiO2 nanocomposite

In order to increase antibacterial abilities and avoid aggregation of Ag nanoparticles, Ag-SiO2 nanocomposites were studied to achieve hybrid structure. SiO2 nanoparticles synthesized by the Stober method served as seeds for immobilization of Ag. The chemical binding structure and morphology of Ag-SiO2 nanocomposites and SiO2 nanoparticles were investigated with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The antibacterial properties of Ag-SiO2 nanocomposites were examined with disk diffusion assay and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). Results showed that Ag nanoparticles are homogeneously formed on the surface of SiO2 nanoparticles without aggregation and showed excellent antibacterial abilities.