Controlled Release of Silver Nanoparticles Contained in Photoresponsive Nanogels

Abstract

Smart nanomaterials can selectively respond to a stimulus and consequently be activated in specific conditions, as a result of their interaction with electromagnetic radiation, biomolecules, or pH change. These nanomaterials are produced through distinct routes and can be used in artificial skin, drug delivery, and other biomedical applications. Here, we report on the fabrication of an antibacterial nanogel formed by aniline- and chitosan-containing silver nanoparticles (AgNp’s), with an average size of 78 ± 19 nm. The AgNp nanogel release was triggered by light at 405 nm. Specifically, the electronic energy vibration resulting from the interaction of the irradiation with the AgNp surface plasmon breaks the hydrogen bonds of the nanogels and releases AgNp’s. To understand the perturbation of AgNp-nanogels against bacteria, membrane model studies were performed using the main components of the cell membrane of Escherichia coli (E. coli), 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho-(1′-rac-glycerol) (DPPG) and 1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (DMPE). DPPG has more influence on the incorporation of the nanoparticles on the cell membrane due to the electrostatic interaction between the nanoparticle surface and lipid charged groups. The results indicate new possibilities for designing smart antibacterial photoresponsive nanogels with enhanced optical and antibacterial properties to increase E. coli death.

Release Strategies of Silver Ions from Materials for Bacterial Killing

“…Besides, a 405 nm light-responsive nanogel (AgNP-nanogel) was synthesized by Ballesteros and co-workers. Silver ions were chelated in the aniline–chitosan (CS) nanogel structure . The electron migration on the silver surface was triggered by the 405 nm light to destroy the hydrogen bond, thereby promoting the release of silver ions.…”

“…Silver ions were chelated in the aniline−chitosan (CS) nanogel structure. 70 The electron migration on the silver surface was triggered by the 405 nm light to destroy the hydrogen bond, thereby promoting the release of silver ions. What's more, the low pH in a bacteria-infected environment enabled protonation of the amino groups on the CS molecule, which further increased the size of the AgNP-nanogel.…”

Recent Developments in Antibacterial Therapy: Focus on Stimuli-Responsive Drug-Delivery Systems and Therapeutic Nanoparticles

“…Ballesteros and colleagues demonstrated that the irradiation of a nanogel at 405 nm induces the excitation of Ag NPs and thus the rupture of cross-linking, leading to its release over time. In this context, the kinetics of Ag NP release under irradiation with a 405 nm diode LED was investigated in Gram-negative Escherichia coli [77].…”

Comprehensive review on ultrasound-responsive theranostic nanomaterials: mechanisms, structures and medical applications

“…Nanogels have been widely explored as cargo carriers. The release of cargo from nanogels can be triggered with different stimuli, including redox potential [460,461], pH changes [462,463], salt concentration [464], US [29], temperature [465], or light [466][467][468]. Also, it is possible to render nanogels responsive to specific stimuli, such as magnetic fields [469], by decorating nanogels with magnetic NPs.…”