Ag-silica composite nanotube with controlled wall structures for biomedical applications

A range of Ag-silica composite nanotubes with tailored wall structures were successfully synthesized in situ by single-nozzle electrospinning. By increasing AgNO₃ concentration, the wall structure of Ag-silica tubes changes from dense to porous, and eventually turns into a 'lace-like' structure. This is attributed to Ag ions doping into the SiOSi network of precursors, as illustrated in FTIR study. More importantly, Ag-silica composite nanotubes show robust antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus and Gram-negative Escherichia coli microorganisms. Therefore, it is a breakthrough of the nanostructure biomaterial research for future medical applications that require strong antibacterial properties.