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Tuning the Composition of AuPt Bimetallic Nanoparticles for Antibacterial Application
Author(s) -
Zhao Yuyun,
Ye Chunjie,
Liu Wenwen,
Chen Rong,
Jiang Xingyu
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
angewandte chemie
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1521-3757
pISSN - 0044-8249
DOI - 10.1002/ange.201401035
Subject(s) - bimetallic strip , chemistry , nanoparticle , catalysis , antibiotics , reagent , antibacterial activity , combinatorial chemistry , membrane , nanotechnology , bacteria , materials science , organic chemistry , biochemistry , biology , genetics
We show that bimetallic nanoparticles (NPs) of AuPt without any surface modification are potent antibiotic reagents, while pure Au NPs or pure Pt NPs display no antibiotic activities. The most potent antibacterial AuPt NPs happen to be the most effective catalysts for chemical transformations. The mechanism of antibiotic action includes the dissipation of membrane potential and the elevation of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels. These bimetallic NPs are unique in that they do not produce reactive oxygen species as most antibiotics do. Being non‐toxic to human cells, these bimetallic noble NPs might open an entry to a new class of antibiotics.