An investigation on the synthesis, characterisation and antibacterial activity of silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs)-modified montmorillonite

Year 2025, Volume: 5 Issue: 2 , 42 - 49 , 31.12.2025

Sümeyra Zahide Öztürk , Alican Bahadır Semerci , Sıla Topçu , Murat Tuna , Fatih Çalışkan

https://izlik.org/JA22WG95TL

Abstract

In this study, silver nanoparticle (Ag-NP) modified sodium montmorillonite (Na-MMT) was synthesised via a sol–gel-assisted ion-exchange approach. During the process, Ag⁺ cations were intercalated into the interlayer spaces of Na-MMT, leading to the successful preparation of Ag-enriched organoclays. Structural modifications were verified by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), while scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed well-dispersed silver nanoparticles on the clay surface. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) provided additional confirmation of silver incorporation within the layered framework. The antibacterial performance of six Ag-MMT formulations was assessed via the Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion assay against Bacillus subtilis, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Staphylococcus aureus. The most effective sample exhibited a maximum inhibition zone of 13.5 mm against S. typhimurium, while a 2% Ag loading was found to be the minimum effective concentration for broad-spectrum antibacterial activity. These findings highlight Ag-MMT as a promising nanocomposite for antimicrobial applications.

Keywords

Siver , Cation Exchange , Organoclay , Modification , Antibacterial

Ethical Statement

There is no ethical subject

Supporting Institution

No

Thanks

The authors would like to thank Sakarya University of Applied Sciences, Sakarya University, and Aydın Industry R&D Centre for their laboratory and financial support.

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