Green-Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles Show Promising Antimicrobial Properties

Strategic Insights -

Researchers at Khon Kaen University in Thailand have made a significant breakthrough in developing active packaging using green-synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). The innovative coating, made from a paper coated with AgNPs, has been shown to possess antibacterial and antiviral properties, making it a potential game-changer for packaging materials. The study, funded by the National Research Council of Thailand and the Research and Graduate Studies Khon Kaen University, explored the effects of different silver nitrate concentrations on the synthesis of AgNPs and the properties of the coated paper.

Key Takeaways:

  • The researchers used a bio-reducing agent from mangosteen peel extract and citric acid as a crosslinking agent to synthesize AgNPs.
  • The presence of AgNPs, the bio-reducing agent, and citric acid demonstrated synergistic antibacterial activities against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.
  • The paper coated with AgNPs-150 showed complete inactivation of virus within 1 minute.
  • Water resistance and tensile strength of paper improved when coated with AgNPs-150.
  • The coated paper demonstrated tensile strength comparable to common packaging paper.
  • The active packaging material showed potential for use in items requiring manual handling by multiple people.

Statistics:

  • 50, 100, 150, and 200 mM silver nitrate (AgNO3) concentrations were used to investigate the effects on AgNPs synthesis and coated paper properties.
  • The AgNPs-150 concentration showed optimal results in antibacterial and antiviral activities.
  • The coated paper demonstrated a tensile strength of 10.2 N/10 mm, comparable to common packaging paper (10.5 N/10 mm).
  • The virus inactivation rate was 100% within 1 minute using the AgNPs-150 coated paper.

Sources:

  • Green-synthesized silver nanoparticle coating on paper for antibacterial and antiviral applications. Polymer Bulletin, 2022:1-18.
  • VerticalNews. "New research on Nanotechnology - Nanoparticles". Nanotechnology Weekly, November 7, 2022.
  • NewsRx. Khon Kaen University Reports Findings in Nanoparticles (Green-synthesized silver nanoparticle coating on paper for antibacterial and antiviral applications). Nanotechnology Weekly. November 7, 2022; p 1792.