Synthesis and Antimicrobial Activity of a Silver‐Hydroxyapatite Nanocomposite

Abstract

A silver‐hydroxyapatite nanocomposite has been obtained by a colloidal chemical route and subsequent reduction process in H 2 /Ar atmosphere at 350 ∘ C. This material has been characterized by TEM, XRD, and UV‐Visible spectroscopy, showing the silver nanoparticles (∼65 nm) supported onto the HA particles (∼130 nm) surface without a high degree of agglomeration. The bactericidal effect against common Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria has been also investigated. The results indicated a high antimicrobial activity for Staphylococcus aureus, Pneumococcus and Escherichia coli, so this material can be a promising antimicrobial biomaterial for implant and reconstructive surgery applications.