Synthesis and Antimicrobial Activity of a Silver-Hydroxyapatite Nanocomposite

A silver-hydroxyapatite nanocomposite has been obtained by a colloidal chemical route and subsequent reduction process in H2/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.