Towards understanding the antibacterial activity of Ag nanoparticles: electron microscopy in the analysis of the materials-biology interface in the lung
File(s)
Author(s)
Theodorou, I
Porter, AE
Ryan, M
leo, BF
López-Heras, M
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Bacterial infections of the pulmonary system are increasing. With almost half of today's infections being
caused by strains of bacteria that are resistant to existing conventional antibiotics, there is an urgent need
for the development of novel therapeutic platforms. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been receiving
increasing attention due to their unique antibacterial properties, and whilst the biological efficacy of silver
is well known, the mechanisms by which AgNPs degrade within cells and how these processes correlate to
their bioreactivity are poorly understood. This review summarises the current knowledge on the
bactericidal pathways of AgNPs and discusses the challenges to be faced before we are able to develop
efficient and safe antibacterial agents for the treatment of bacterial infections in the lung.
caused by strains of bacteria that are resistant to existing conventional antibiotics, there is an urgent need
for the development of novel therapeutic platforms. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been receiving
increasing attention due to their unique antibacterial properties, and whilst the biological efficacy of silver
is well known, the mechanisms by which AgNPs degrade within cells and how these processes correlate to
their bioreactivity are poorly understood. This review summarises the current knowledge on the
bactericidal pathways of AgNPs and discusses the challenges to be faced before we are able to develop
efficient and safe antibacterial agents for the treatment of bacterial infections in the lung.
Date Issued
2015-06-29
Date Acceptance
2015-06-28
Citation
Environmental Science: Nano, 2015, 2, pp.312-326
ISSN
2051-8161
Publisher
Royal Society of Chemistry
Start Page
312
End Page
326
Journal / Book Title
Environmental Science: Nano
Volume
2
Issue
4
Copyright Statement
© The Royal Society of Chemistry 2015. This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported Licence. (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/)
Description
13.07.15 KB. Ok to add accepted version, subject to 12 months embargo from acceptance
Publication Status
Published