The Efficacy of Silver Nanoparticles as a Treatment for Bacterial Biofilms
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Authors
Atwater, Cammie
Issue Date
2021-07
Type
Dissertation
Language
en_US
Keywords
Research Subject Categories::NATURAL SCIENCES::Biology::Organism biology::Microbiology , Nanotechnology , Bacterial biofilms
Alternative Title
Abstract
Biofilms provide a protected environment in which bacteria can grow and thrive. These biofilms are especially resistant to antibiotic treatments. This poses a huge problem as 80% of infections that are of clinical significance grow within biofilms. Silver has been known to have antimicrobial properties. Only within the past 15 years, however, has the nanoparticle form of silver been seriously researched for the purpose of treating bacterial biofilms. The purpose of this dissertation was to determine the efficacy of silver nanoparticles in combating bacterial biofilms. A literature review was performed by collecting peer-reviewed research articles that addressed each of the following sub-questions: i) are silver nanoparticles effective against antibiotic-resistant biofilms, ii) by what mechanisms do silver nanoparticles act, iii) is the efficacy of silver nanoparticles dependent on dose or morphology, iv) can resistance develop to silver nanoparticles, v) are there risks or side effects associated with silver nanoparticles or unknown safety concerns, and vi) what avenues of silver nanoparticles administration are the most promising. The findings were combined in table form. Silver nanoparticles stand out as a promising treatment, as they have been found to be effective against MDR bacterial biofilms. The size, shape, surface properties, and environment of the nanoparticle will greatly determine its efficacy. It is possible and necessary to engineer the properties of the nanoparticle to the desired function. While safety concerns about silver nanoparticles still remain, they appear to be a promising treatment for improved drug delivery, wound dressings, and coatings on medical implants, dental implants, catheters and other medicals devices.
Description
Citation
Atwater, C. (2021). The efficacy of silver nanoparticles as a treatment for bacterial biofilms (Order No. 28543311). Available from Dissertations & Theses @ University of Bridgeport; ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global. (2551572498).