In Situ Production and Immobilization of Silver Nano Particles

Introduction

The developments in the field of nanotechnology has caused tremendous impetus in the present century due to its capability of modulating metals into their nano-sized particles, which drastically influence the chemical, physical and optical properties of metals. Metallic silver in the form of silver nano particles has made a remarkable comeback as a potential antimicrobial agent. The use of silver nanoparticles is also important, as several pathogenic bacteria have developed resistance against various antibiotics. Hence, silver nanoparticles have emerged with diverse medical applications ranging from silver based dressings, silver coated medicinal devices, such as nano-gels, nano-lotions, etc. 
The present technology offers a simple method for producing nano silver coated medical textiles while sterilizing them in an autoclave. Hence it offers a cheaper alternative to prevailing products of similar attributes in the market.

Advantages of Impregnation of Nano Particles on to Bandages :

• Silver nano particles have broad spectrum anti microbial action.
• Medicated bandages produced during steam sterilization.
• Yields fabrics that are resistant to microbial growth.
• Process is simple and does not require sophisticated instruments.
• Inexpensive.
  
  

Applications :

• In the medical and veterinary Industry and Textile industry for producing antibacterial fabrics.
• Textile materials for hospitals, immune-compromised patients, military personnel, people in high altitude or space explorations etc.
• Medically relevant dressing material like bandages cotton wool and gauges etc.

Requirements :

• Equipment Requirement: Standard glassware for laboratory and sterilization equipment like autoclave, sterile bench, etc.

• Infrastructure Requirement : A microbiological laboratory, facilities for testing of nano particles formation and testing of bandages for therapeutic efficacy.

• Manpower Requirement : One microbiologist with experience and one technician for carrying out routine work.

• Capital Requirement : This technology can be taken-up by the companies already engaged in production in medicinal bandages.

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• For further information please contact

 Head, Technology Transfer & Collaboration Division,
Bhabha Atomic Research Centre,
Trombay, Mumbai- 400 085
Tel : 091-022-25593897
Fax : 091-022-25505151 / 25519613
Email : headttcd@barc.gov.in