Near-Infrared Light-Triggered Bacterial Eradication Using a Nanowire Nanocomposite of Graphene Nanoribbons and Chitosan-Coated Silver Nanoparticles

Abstract

Bacterial infection is a major threat to human health. However, many antibacterial agents currently used are severely limited due to drug-resistance, and the development of side effects. Herein, we have developed a non-antibiotic nanocomposite consisting of chitosan (ChS) coated silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and graphene nanoribbon (GNR)-based nanowires for light-triggered eradication of bacteria. The presence of AgNP/ChS significantly enhanced the interactions of the GNR nanowires with Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a clinically common Gram-negative bacterium. Which enables the highly effective photothermal eradication of bacteria by GNR upon near-infrared light irradiation. The nanocomposite was shown to be applicable for the light-triggered eradication of bacterial biofilms and the inhibition of bacterial growth on medical patches used for abdominal-wall hernia surgery.

A Review of Advanced Abdominal Wall Hernia Patch Materials

“…These AWHPMs possess potent antibacterial properties and biological affinities. [167,175,185,243] Amoxicillinincorporating multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) [30] and hollow mesoporous silica nanocapsules (HMSNs) [210] are two examples of such AWHPMs. Moreover, it should be noted that CTS compounds and hydrogels, synthesized with amine organics engaging in Schiff base reactions, possess innate bactericidal properties.…”

Advances in Nanostructures for Antimicrobial Therapy

“…Adhesive, injectable, conductive, bio-compatible self-healing hydrogel N , O -carboxymethyl CS with incorporated AgNPs showing antibacterial activity against ATCC and clinical strains of E. coli , K. pneumonia , P. aeruginosa , S. aureus and MRSA as well as anti-biofilm activity against S. aureus , E. coli , and P. aeruginosa (ATCC strains) is suitable for the cure of infected wounds [ 206 ]. A strong bactericidal effect both in vitro and in vivo against MRSA was also observed with CS–Ag nanocomposites [ 207 ] and effective inhibition of MRSA and P. aeruginosa biofilms by CS–AgNPs with sizes 10–50 nm using a dose 100 μg/mL was reported by Vijayakumar et al [ 208 ] Nanocomposite of CS-coated AgNPs and nanowires based on graphene showed excellent near infrared (NIR) light-triggered photothermal eradication of P. aeruginosa biofilms and the inhibition of bacterial growth [ 209 ]. Nanocomposite films consisting of CS, and AgNPs, CuO NPs or TiO 2 NPs showed superb antibacterial activity against P. aeruginosa , E. coli , E. faecalis , Streptococcus sp., S. aureus and MRSA and were recommended as a dressing in the therapy of wounds [ 210 ].…”