Silver nanoparticle@carbon quantum dot composite as an antibacterial agent

A AgNPs@S,N-CQDs composite was synthesized by a one-step approach. It possessed AgNPs naturally surrounded by S,N-CQDs, and the size of the particles was found to be uniform and stable via a series of characterization methods. The antibacterial properties of the composite material were studied, and it had good antibacterial properties against S. aureus, E. coli, MRSA and C. albicans. The minimum inhibitory concentrations were 63 μg mL(−1) against S. aureus and MRSA and 32 μg mL(−1) against E. coli and C. albicans. In addition, the AgNPs@S,N-CQDs composite had an antibacterial effect via the generation of ROS, which was verified using the DCFH-DA kit. Finally, HepG2 cells were used to study its biocompatibility. The antibacterial properties and biocompatibility results show that the AgNPs@S,N-CQDs composite material can serve as a promising antibacterial agent.