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The preparation of light-activated hybrid antibacterial agent combining the porphyrin molecules, bound to the silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) surface is reported. AgNPs were synthesized by N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone-initiated reduction without additional reducing agents. The chemical structure of protoporphyrin IX was modified with the aim to introduce thiol groups. The size distribution and shape features of AgNPs were checked using TEM and HRTEM microscopies. The introduction of thiol groups into the porphyrin was proved by IR spectroscopy. The AgNPs-porphyrin binding was performed in solution and confirmed by fluorescence quenching, Raman spectroscopy and energy-filtered transmission electron microscopy (EFTEM). The antibacterial tests were performed against S. epidermidis and E. coli upon to LED illumination and in the dark. The synergetic effect of AgNPs and porphyrin as well as light activation of the created antibacterial conjugates were observed., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

In this work we present silver nanoparticles coated with chitosan films synthesized by a simple, environmentally friendly method. Silver nanoparticles were prepared and stabilized by reduction of silver nitrate with chitosan without addition of harmful reduction agents. The presence of silver nanoparticles in the solid films was studied by the X-ray diffraction spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Solid films were dissolved and the solution was observed by the ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The amount of silver in the solid samples was studied by atomic absorption spectroscopy. Antibacterial activity of solid films with silver nanoparticles was tested by disc test on two bacterial strains, Gram-positive Staphylococcus epidermidis and Gram-negative Escherichia coli. The presence of silver nanoparticles was confirmed both in solid film and in solution by the above mentioned methods. The films exhibited strong antibacterial activity against both bacterial strains. These films could be used as a wound dressing, antimicrobial packaging material or for long-term storage of silver nanoparticles for various applications.