Kaolinite-mediated synthesis of ultra-small silver nanoparticles with high antimicrobial activity.

Ultra-small Ag nanoparticles (<5 nm) loaded on a kaolinite surface were successfully prepared in large batches by a dry-process, displaying excellent broad-spectrum antimicrobial ability and size-dependent activity. This Ag-loaded kaolinite (Ag@AT/K) inhibited the growth of pathogenic bacteria and accelerated wound healing in experiments on MRSA-infected wounds. This work provides a new strategy for the preparation of mineral-based nanoscale antibacterial materials.