The study shows that that lignin particles infused with silver ions and coated with a cationic polyelectrolyte layer comprise a biodegradable and green alternative to silver nanoparticles. The polyelectrolyte layer promotes the adhesion of the particles to bacterial cell membranes and, together with silver ions, can inhibit the growth of a broad spectrum of bacteria, including Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and quaternary-amine-resistant Ralstonia sp. Ion depletion studies have shown that the bioactivity of these nanoparticles is time-limited because of the desorption of silver ions.
High-throughput bioactivity screening did not reveal increased toxicity of the particles when compared to an equivalent mass of metallic silver nanoparticles or silver nitrate solution. Our results demonstrate that the application of green chemistry principles may allow the synthesis of nanoparticles with biodegradable cores that have higher antimicrobial activity and smaller environmental impact than metallic silver nanoparticles. (Richter et. Al., Nat. Nanotechnol.2015, DOI: 0.1038/nnano.2015.141).
About Benanova, Inc.
Benanova, Inc. is a research and development company headquartered in the Research Triangle Park (RTP) area in the state of North Carolina. The company commercializes novel cost-efficient environmentally friendly particle systems made of natural materials that can leverage the functional properties of bioactive agents. In response to COVID-19 Benanova has accelerated the development of finishing technologies for specialty and performance textiles. For more information, visit www.benanova.com.