One-step, solvent-free mechanosynthesis of silver nanoparticle-infused lignin composites for use as highly active multidrug resistant antibacterial filters

Silver nanoparticles were synthesized in a solvent-free fashion from a simple silver salt by ball milling mechanochemistry, using lignin as a biodegradable reducer and polyacrylamide polymer as a support. The resulting material proved very efficient as an antimicrobial filter for complete killing of both Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria, including multi-drug resistant strains.