Anti-fungal activity of SiO(2)/Ag(2)S nanocomposites against Aspergillus niger

Submicron particles of amorphous SiO2 have been used to grow Ag2S nanophases at their surfaces. SEM and TEM analysis showed morphological well-defined nanocomposite particles consisting of Ag2S nanocrystals dispersed over the silica surfaces. These SiO2/Ag2S nanocomposites were investigated as anti-...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Fateixa, Sara (author)
Other Authors: Neves, Márcia C. (author), Almeida, Adelaide (author), Oliveira, João (author), Trindade, Tito (author)
Format: article
Language:eng
Published: 2009
Subjects:
Online Access:http://hdl.handle.net/10773/6236
Country:Portugal
Oai:oai:ria.ua.pt:10773/6236
Description
Summary:Submicron particles of amorphous SiO2 have been used to grow Ag2S nanophases at their surfaces. SEM and TEM analysis showed morphological well-defined nanocomposite particles consisting of Ag2S nanocrystals dispersed over the silica surfaces. These SiO2/Ag2S nanocomposites were investigated as anti-fungal agents against Aspergillus niger in different experimental conditions, including as nanofillers in cellulosic fibres. The anti-fungal activity in these composite systems is suggested to result from a synergistic effect due to Ag2S anti-fungal centres and the SiO2 surfaces in promoting the adsorption of the fungus.