Insights into the metal retention role in the antibacterial behavior of montmorillonite and cellulose tissue-supported copper and silver nanoparticles

Abstract

nanoparticles against both the bacterial strains. Optimal metal-matrix interactions appear to favor high dispersion of both metal particles and material grains, thereby improving the contact surface with the cultivation media. This was explained in terms of hydrophilic character and judicious compromise between the metal retention by the host-matrix and release in the impregnating media. Competitive Lewis acid-base interactions appear to occur between MNP, solid surface and liquid media. These findings are of great importance, providing a deeper understanding of the antibacterial activity of metal-loaded materials. This opens promising prospects for vegetal fibers and clay-supported drugs to treat dermatological and gastro-intestinal infections.