MORPHOLOGY OF METAL NANOPARTICLES AND ITS ROLE IN ANTIMICROBIAL EFFICACY

Abstract

This review article examines the relationship between the morphological features of metal nanoparticles, specifically silver, gold, and copper-based materials, and their antimicrobial activity. Currently, the proliferation of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and the spread of nosocomial infections necessitate the search for new disinfectants with nanotechnology playing a crucial role in addressing this issue.

The article provides an in-depth analysis of nanoparticle synthesis processes, particularly nucleation and crystal growth mechanisms. Methods for controlling nanoparticle shape through seed structure and the influence of the chemical environment are described.

The primary focus of the study is to determine the impact of nanoparticle size and shape on antibacterial efficacy. The results of the literature review indicate that smaller particles exhibit higher activity due to their increased surface area. The review concludes that optimizing nanoparticle morphology is key, as triangular nanoprisms exhibiting superior activity over spherical and rod-like particles due to their high-energy facets and sharp reactive edges.