Silver Nanoparticle-Based Antimicrobial Coatings: Sustainable Strategies for Microbial Contamination Control

Silver nanoparticles have gained significant attention due to their remarkable antimicrobial properties, making them ideal candidates for incorporation into various coatings. These coatings exhibit antimicrobial activity through multiple mechanisms, including the release of silver ions, the generati...

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Main Authors: Edith Dube, Grace Emily Okuthe
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-05-01
Series:Microbiology Research
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2036-7481/16/6/110
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author Edith Dube
Grace Emily Okuthe
author_facet Edith Dube
Grace Emily Okuthe
author_sort Edith Dube
collection DOAJ
description Silver nanoparticles have gained significant attention due to their remarkable antimicrobial properties, making them ideal candidates for incorporation into various coatings. These coatings exhibit antimicrobial activity through multiple mechanisms, including the release of silver ions, the generation of reactive oxygen species, and the disruption of microbial cell membranes and intracellular metabolic pathways. The integration of silver nanoparticles into coating matrices through physical embedding, chemical bonding, or surface grafting not only influences the controlled release of antimicrobial agents but also affects the mechanical stability and longevity of the coatings. Several factors, including nanoparticle size, shape, surface chemistry, and functionalization, influence the antimicrobial efficiency of these nanoparticle-based coatings. As a result, silver nanoparticle coatings have been widely applied in medical devices, textiles, antifouling surfaces, and food packaging. This review discusses the advances in using silver nanoparticles in antimicrobial coatings, focusing on the mechanisms of action, fabrication methods, and diverse applications. The review also highlights the influence of nanoparticle characteristics on antimicrobial performance, providing insights into the future directions for smart coatings. Future research is expected to focus on optimizing the fabrication techniques, enhancing the stability of silver nanoparticle coatings, and exploring innovative applications in emerging fields.
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spelling doaj-art-39bc6589a7b3493c8480892ce5a9d7f42025-08-20T03:29:48ZengMDPI AGMicrobiology Research2036-74812025-05-0116611010.3390/microbiolres16060110Silver Nanoparticle-Based Antimicrobial Coatings: Sustainable Strategies for Microbial Contamination ControlEdith Dube0Grace Emily Okuthe1Department of Biological & Environmental Sciences, Walter Sisulu University, P/B X1, Mthatha 5117, South AfricaDepartment of Biological & Environmental Sciences, Walter Sisulu University, P/B X1, Mthatha 5117, South AfricaSilver nanoparticles have gained significant attention due to their remarkable antimicrobial properties, making them ideal candidates for incorporation into various coatings. These coatings exhibit antimicrobial activity through multiple mechanisms, including the release of silver ions, the generation of reactive oxygen species, and the disruption of microbial cell membranes and intracellular metabolic pathways. The integration of silver nanoparticles into coating matrices through physical embedding, chemical bonding, or surface grafting not only influences the controlled release of antimicrobial agents but also affects the mechanical stability and longevity of the coatings. Several factors, including nanoparticle size, shape, surface chemistry, and functionalization, influence the antimicrobial efficiency of these nanoparticle-based coatings. As a result, silver nanoparticle coatings have been widely applied in medical devices, textiles, antifouling surfaces, and food packaging. This review discusses the advances in using silver nanoparticles in antimicrobial coatings, focusing on the mechanisms of action, fabrication methods, and diverse applications. The review also highlights the influence of nanoparticle characteristics on antimicrobial performance, providing insights into the future directions for smart coatings. Future research is expected to focus on optimizing the fabrication techniques, enhancing the stability of silver nanoparticle coatings, and exploring innovative applications in emerging fields.https://www.mdpi.com/2036-7481/16/6/110pathogenantimicrobialpolymersmartantifoulingfabric
spellingShingle Edith Dube
Grace Emily Okuthe
Silver Nanoparticle-Based Antimicrobial Coatings: Sustainable Strategies for Microbial Contamination Control
Microbiology Research
pathogen
antimicrobial
polymer
smart
antifouling
fabric
title Silver Nanoparticle-Based Antimicrobial Coatings: Sustainable Strategies for Microbial Contamination Control
title_full Silver Nanoparticle-Based Antimicrobial Coatings: Sustainable Strategies for Microbial Contamination Control
title_fullStr Silver Nanoparticle-Based Antimicrobial Coatings: Sustainable Strategies for Microbial Contamination Control
title_full_unstemmed Silver Nanoparticle-Based Antimicrobial Coatings: Sustainable Strategies for Microbial Contamination Control
title_short Silver Nanoparticle-Based Antimicrobial Coatings: Sustainable Strategies for Microbial Contamination Control
title_sort silver nanoparticle based antimicrobial coatings sustainable strategies for microbial contamination control
topic pathogen
antimicrobial
polymer
smart
antifouling
fabric
url https://www.mdpi.com/2036-7481/16/6/110
work_keys_str_mv AT edithdube silvernanoparticlebasedantimicrobialcoatingssustainablestrategiesformicrobialcontaminationcontrol
AT graceemilyokuthe silvernanoparticlebasedantimicrobialcoatingssustainablestrategiesformicrobialcontaminationcontrol