Generation of silver nanoparticles from thin films and their antibacterial properties

Colloidal solutions of silver nanoparticles (NPs) were obtained by ultrashort-pulse laser ablation of silver films of variable thickness in water at different fluences, pulse durations and laser exposures. Characterization of these particles was performed by scanning electron microscopy, optical transmission spectroscopy, and dynamic light scattering. A monotonic increase in the extinction coefficient and in the average diameter of the colloidal particles-from 20 to 180 nm-was observed as a function of laser fluence and exposure. Antibacterial properties of colloidal silver NPs were investigated by the microbiological 'Live/Dead Biofilm Viability Kit' method.

Automated summary

In this study, colloidal solutions of silver nanoparticles were synthesized by laser ablation of silver films in water. The properties of these particles were characterized using various techniques, and it was found that the extinction coefficient and diameter of the colloidal particles increased with laser fluence and exposure. The antibacterial properties of the silver nanoparticles were also investigated.