Researchers Develop Silver-Containing Nanocomposites with Antimicrobial and Antiviral Properties

Strategic Insights -

Investigators from the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine have discovered a new method for producing silver-containing nanocomposites that exhibit antimicrobial and antiviral properties. The research, published in the journal Scientific Reports, demonstrates the potential of these nanocomposites in preventing the spread of diseases caused by influenza A virus and other viral infections.

The study focused on the synthesis of polymer nanocomposites using polyelectrolyte complexes of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)-chitosan and silver or silver/oxide nanoparticles. The researchers found that the use of green tea, ginger, or propolis extracts as reducing agents resulted in the formation of Ag/AgO or metallic silver nanoparticles with varying sizes.

Key Takeaways:

  • The researchers synthesized polymer nanocomposites using CMC-chitosan and silver or silver/oxide nanoparticles, demonstrating the potential of these materials in preventing disease spread.
  • The use of green tea, ginger, or propolis extracts resulted in the formation of Ag/AgO or metallic silver nanoparticles with average sizes of ~11, ~20, and ~44 nm, respectively.
  • The nanocomposites exhibited antibacterial activity against S. aureus and E. coli, and antiviral activity against influenza A virus type (H1N1) and herpes simplex virus type 1.
  • The nanocomposites did not exhibit cytotoxic activity against MDCK and Vero cells, reducing the proportion of live cells by no more than 28%.
  • The study provides a new method for producing silver-containing nanocomposites with antimicrobial and antiviral properties, which can be useful in preventing disease spread.

Statistics:

  • 28% reduction in live cells by the nanocomposites
  • Average sizes of silver nanoparticles: ~11, ~20, and ~44 nm
  • Antibacterial activity against S. aureus and E. coli
  • Antiviral activity against influenza A virus type (H1N1) and herpes simplex virus type 1

Sources:

  • Structural peculiarities of the silver-containing nanocomposites based on carboxymethyl cellulose-chitosan polyelectrolyte complexes and their antimicrobial and antiviral applications. Scientific Reports, 2025;15(1):35087.
  • NewsRx. Researchers from National Academy of Sciences of UKraine Describe Findings in Influenza A Virus (Structural peculiarities of the silver-containing nanocomposites based on carboxymethyl cellulose-chitosan polyelectrolyte complexes and their ...). Nanotechnology Weekly. October 20, 2025; p 1841.