Reexamination of the Potential of Colloidal Silver Nanoparticle as Antimicrobial Agent with Combinations

Lai, Ann Kee (2020) Reexamination of the Potential of Colloidal Silver Nanoparticle as Antimicrobial Agent with Combinations. Final Year Project (Bachelor), Tunku Abdul Rahman University College.

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Abstract

Antimicrobial agent plays a crucial role in reducing the risk of skin infection, especially in open wounds. To date, alcohol-based antiseptic has been commonly used in both community and healthcare settings due to its excellent antimicrobial properties. However, several studies revealed that alcohol in direct contact with open wound causes skin damage and delays the wound healing process. The possible side effects of prolonged dermal exposure to high concentration of alcohol remain questionable. The Ancients have used silver for medical purpose and it is currently included in healthcare products due to the strong antibacterial properties. The study aims to reexamine the antibacterial properties of colloidal silver nanoparticle and in combinations with healing agents such as Epi-On and CM- Glucan and plant extracts such as pure artemisinin and fisetin. Results showed that colloidal silver inhibited bacteria in a time and dose-dependent manner. The inhibitory effect at 2.436 ppm of colloidal silver was higher on E. coli (1.74 log cfu/ml) compared to S. aureus (< 0.5 log cfu/ml) in short treatment time of 10 minutes. Among the combinations, 2 % (v/v) CM-Glucan and 0.01 % (w/v) pure artemisinin showed comparable antibacterial effect (>2 log cfu/ml) with colloidal silver in 60 –minute treatment time. Long-term storage effect on colloidal silver and in combination with healing agents was examined on E. coli. After 8 months of storage, colloidal silver showed no significant reduction of antibacterial efficiency, thus suggesting high stability. However, a significant reduced antibacterial efficiency was observed in 2 % (v/v) Epi-On. Cytotoxicity of colloidal silver was evaluated and the result showed colloidal silver only caused toxicity in human epidermoid carcinoma cells (A431) but not affecting the viability of normal human keratinocytes cells (HaCaT) at a concentration of 1.6568 ppm or less, thus suggesting that colloidal silver has a potential anti-cancer effect.