Bone reconstruction: Au nanocomposite bioglasses with antibacterial properties

Int J Artif Organs. 2011 Sep;34(9):920-8. doi: 10.5301/ijao.5000059.

Abstract

Bioglasses are of wide interest since they spontaneously bond and integrate with living bone in the body. By varying the glass chemistry and/or by adding some dopants, it is possible to improve their clinical applications. Gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) are a well-known antibacterial agent, as well as a unique probe for sensing and imaging applications. We report on the synthesis of a 58S bioglass doped with Au NPs at two doping levels: 0.1% wt. and 1% wt. Antibacterial properties were observed on the Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus, whereas no significant effects were found on the Gram-negative Escherichia coli. A possible mechanism of action of Au NPs towards bacteria has been described.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / chemistry
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology*
  • Bone Substitutes*
  • Ceramics*
  • Coated Materials, Biocompatible*
  • Escherichia coli / drug effects
  • Escherichia coli / growth & development
  • Gold / chemistry
  • Gold / pharmacology*
  • Metal Nanoparticles*
  • Nanocomposites*
  • Staphylococcus aureus / drug effects*
  • Staphylococcus aureus / growth & development
  • Surface Properties

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Bioglass
  • Bone Substitutes
  • Coated Materials, Biocompatible
  • Gold