| Abstract: | Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) loaded antibacterial micelles were fabricated utilizing the coordinate interaction between silver ion (Ag+) and methoxy-poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(acrylamide-co-acrylonitrile) followed by in situ reduction. This micelle was characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and dynamic light scattering. The upper critical solution temperature of Ag+-loaded micelles was dependent on Ag+ concentration. The AgNPs were approximately 4 nm in diameter and homogenously distributed in the micelles. The AgNPs-loaded micelle displayed high stability during a one week study and excellent antibacterial activity against gram-negative Escherichia coli and was of acceptable toxicity toward human embryonic hepatocytes. |
