Antibacterial nanocomposite of functionalized nanogold and gallium-doped hydroxyapatite

We developed a nanocomposite of Au nanoparticles, functionalized with arginine, and hydroxyapatite that contains Ga3+ ions. This material possesses double antibacterial protection - a contact-based action by the functionalized gold nanoparticles and the antibacterial action of Ga3+ ions. Here we show that the material is efficient against E. coli, S. epidermidis and P. aeruginosa and that the functionalized Au nanoparticles are mainly responsible for the antibacterial action against E. coli and S. epidermidis, while Ga3+ ions are mainly responsible for the antibacterial action against P. aeruginosa. Such nanocomposites with combined antimicrobial effect present an innovative way for prevention and cure of bacterial infections and seem a promising human-friendly alternative for antibiotics and Ag-based antibacterial materials in treatments of infections by bacteria resistant to antibiotics. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.