Ag/Cu bimetallic nanoalloys: from morphological characterization to antimicrobial action

• Grant number: 22/00374-7
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Effective date (Start): April 01, 2022
• Effective date (End): March 31, 2023
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Physical-Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: Diogo Silva Pellosi
• Grantee: Bruna Naemi Harada
• Host Institution: Instituto de Ciências Ambientais, Químicas e Farmacêuticas (ICAQF). Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP). Campus Diadema. Diadema , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Microorganisms have been a growing concern due to the rapid expansion of multi-resistant antibiotic strains. Therefore, the discovery of therapeutic alternatives is urgent. In this scenario, researchers around the world have been exploring nanotechnology potentialities. Among several alternatives, silver nanoparticles (AgNP) stand out, but their high production cost and toxicity (human and environmental) have limited their use. An alternative to AgNP is copper nanoparticles (CuNP), a metal with lower cost and a broad spectrum of action, but easily oxidized in an aqueous medium. In this context, this project aims to use synergistically the properties of Ag and Cu through the production of Ag/CuNP nanoalloys, aiming for a high multifocal antimicrobial activity, lower cost, higher biocompatibility, and kinetic stability. These nanoalloys will be synthesized in a one-pot chemical reduction reaction, characterized (morphology and stability), and then evaluated against different strains of microorganisms. The relationship between structural optimization/stability of the Ag/Cu nanoalloy and its antimicrobial activity will be the guiding question of this project.(AU)