Colloidal Silver Nanoparticles Obtained via Radiolysis: Synthesis Optimization and Antibacterial Properties

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) with broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties are gaining increasing interest in fighting multidrug-resistant bacteria. Herein, we describe the synthesis of AgNPs, stabilized by polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), high purity and homogeneous sizes, using radiolysis. Solvated electrons reducing radicals induced from solvent radiolysis no other chemical agents needed to reduce metal ions. Another advantage this method is that it leads sterile colloidal suspensions, which can be directly used for medical applications. We systematically investigated effect silver salt precursor on optical properties, particle size, morphology resulting AgNPs. With Ag2SO4 precursor, AgNPs displayed a narrow size distribution (20 ± 2 nm). In contrast, AgNO3 AgClO4 precursors lead inhomogeneous various shapes. Moreover, optimized synthesized were stable upon storage water phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) very effective inhibiting growth Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) at concentration 0.6 μg·mL−1 while completely eradicating 5.6 μg·mL−1. When compared prepared strategies, remarkable bactericidal ability against S. produced here opens up new perspectives further applications medicine, cosmetics, food industry, or elaborating antibacterial surfaces devices.