Effec
ts of nano-structured silver layers on attachment and survival of bacterial cells
An increasing number of potentially pathogenic bacteria develop multidrug resistance and thus cause massive problems in health care. Consequently, alternative approaches to combat pathogens are sought. Recently, silver containing nano-polymer coatings for artificial transplants have been developed in order to reduce post-surgery infection rates. Our approach is to investigate the effects and inhibitory mechanism(s) of nano-structured silver on bacterial cells and their abilities to colonies surfaces. Silver particles are embedded in a nano-composite coating which has been developed to guarantee highest possible antibacterial effects without harming host cells. Silver ions are released and exhibit their antimicrobial properties on the coated surface. Bacterial resistance mechanisms – mainly heavy metal efflux systems – are being investigated and are thought to reduce or even overcome the cell-toxic effects of the released silver ions and thus give
rise to bacterial survival.
Effects of silver ions on disulfide bridge formation in bacterial as well as eukaryotic proteins.