A versatile chitosan nanogel capable of generating AgNPs in-situ and long-acting slow-release of Ag for highly efficient antibacterial.

Development of multifunctional antibacterial agent with long-lasting antibacterial activity and biofilm ablation performance is significant for the effective treatment of bacterial infections. Here, by utilizing the electrostatic interaction between sulfonated chitosan (SCS) and Ag and chitosan (CS), and the sodium borohydride reduction method, a versatile antibacterial agent (AgNPs@CS/SCS) capable of generating silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in-situ and long-acting slow-release Ag was developed. AgNPs@CS/SCS has a good physiological stability and can long-acting slow-release of Ag due to the pH-dependent Ag release behavior of AgNPs. Noteworthy, AgNPs@CS/SCS can exert both excellent short- and long-term antibacterial and biofilm ablation activity. Importantly, it also exhibits superior antibacterial activity in the treatment of implant infections, accompanied by good biocompatibility. Together, this study suggest that AgNPs@CS/CSC is indeed a versatile antibacterial agent, and is expected to provide an effective treatment modality for implant infections in the clinic settings.