Ag
3
PO
4
nanostructures (APNs) containing silver
(Ag metal; of the noble metal families) have the potential to exhibit
enzyme-mimetic activity. A nanostructure shape, including its surface
facets, can improve the bioactivity of enzyme mimicry, yet the molecular
mechanisms remain unclear. Herein, we report facet-dependent peroxidase
and oxidase-like activity of APNs with both antibacterial and biofilm
degrading properties through the generation of reactive oxygen species.
Cubic APNs had superior antibacterial effects than rhombic dodecahedral
shapes when inhibiting Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial pathogen
proliferation and biofilm degradation. A similar performance was observed
for rhombic dodecahedral shapes, being greater than tetrahedral-shaped
APNs. The extent of enzyme-mimetic activity is attributed to the facets
{100} present in cubic APNs that led the peroxide radicals to inhibit
the proliferation of bacteria and degrade biofilm. These facets were
compared to rhombic dodecahedral APNs {110} and tetrahedral APNs {111},
respectively, to reveal a facet-dependent enhanced antibacterial activity,
providing a plausible mechanism for shape-dependent APNs material
enzyme-mimetic effects on bacteria. Thus, our research findings can
provide a direction to optimize bactericidal materials using APNs
in clinically relevant applications.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.