Silver-containing nanomaterials: preparation, morphology, antimicrobial and antiviral activity

Abstract

Infectious diseases caused by viruses and microorganisms continue to be one of the biggest health problems worldwide, despite the rapid progress in the creation of drugs and the development of pharmaceutical technologies. The risk of complications and the spread of infections in society remains high. Scientific research and the fight against viral infections, in particular with a large group of respiratory diseases caused by viruses, such as influenza viruses, parainfluenza viruses, respiratory sensitivities, adenoviruses, rhinoviruses, coronaviruses, etc., occupy an important place in modern medicine. Due to the nature, characteristics and biological and physical properties of viruses, the issues of combating them are very acute. Microorganisms resistant to many antimicrobial agents are also developing (Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans, etc.). Therefore, today there is an urgent need for new materials with a higher antiviral and bactericidal effect, less toxicity for humans and the environment (ecology, medicine and food industry). Silver-containing biomaterials in various forms (powders, films, solutions, products formed by 3D printing technology) with effective antimicrobial and antiviral effects have been developed. The materials are made on the basis of polyelectrolyte complexes of polysaccharides (pectin – chitosan, pectin – cationic starch, carboxymethylcellulose – cationic β-cyclodextrin, anionic starch – cationic starch) and polylactide biopolymer. Silver nanoparticles in the composition of composites were formed in environmentally friendly ways: by reduction silver ions with extracts of natural substances (green tea, mint, propolis, pectin), by methods of thermochemical reduction or cathodic sputtering of silver nanoparticles from silver foil onto the surface of the film. The structure, morphology, obtained materials and their antimicrobial, antiviral and cytotoxic properties were studied. The relationship between the structure and morphology and the protective properties of the obtained materials was studied.