Photocatalytic disinfection using silver nanoparticle antimicrobial agent with dual stabilization system
A novel silver nanoparticle antimicrobial platform that combines two stabilization mechanisms—host-material nucleation and ligand-based surface passivation—to produce highly active, dispersible, and recyclable nanoparticles. Designed for photocatalytic disinfection and consumer antimicrobial applications, with aqueous dispersions stable for up to two years.
Overview
This solution introduces a new nanosystem that integrates two complementary stabilization mechanisms for silver nanoparticles into a single platform. The first mechanism embeds metallic or semiconductor nanoparticles within a host material, producing recyclable particles. The second mechanism uses coordinating ligands for surface passivation, yielding highly soluble nanoparticles suitable for solution-based applications. By combining both approaches, the technology enables "on-demand" surface tailoring, giving partners flexibility to deploy the same antimicrobial agent in either heterogeneous (recyclable) or homogeneous (solution-based) environments.
The core value proposition is a silver nanoparticle antimicrobial agent that remains highly active while offering extended aqueous stability—up to two years—making it an appealing candidate for photocatalytic disinfection and broader consumer antimicrobial uses.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- Dual stabilization system combining host-material nucleation with ligand-based surface passivation for unprecedented processing flexibility
- Weak passivation approach that preserves high surface reactivity while preventing agglomeration, enabling dispersible yet highly active nanoparticles
- Large-scale synthesis of silver nanoparticle solutions suitable for consumer and industrial applications
- Long-term aqueous stability with dispersions remaining effective for up to two years
- Photocatalytic activity suited for disinfection applications under light irradiation
- On-demand surface tailoring allowing functionalization depending on application requirements
- Silica-based host material potential through hydrolysis and oligo- or polymerization of attached nanoparticles under acid or base catalysis
Technology readiness level
The research is at an early-to-mid stage of development. The antibacterial properties of silver nanoparticles are well documented in the literature, providing a strong foundation. The proposed synthetic strategy introduces a novel stabilization mechanism that has not yet been fully validated. Planned future work includes investigating reactions of metal salts with stabilizing molecules across various solvent systems and conditions, studying polymerization behaviors, and systematically evaluating synthetic parameters such as temperature, solubility, reactivity of metal complexes, and agglomeration speed. Stability testing under different coordinating ligand conditions is also planned. The technology is positioned for proof-of-concept validation and scale-up studies before commercial deployment.
About William Paterson University
William Paterson University of New Jersey is a comprehensive public university serving a diverse, mid‑sized student population in the New York–New Jersey metropolitan area. The campus offers industry-accessible laboratories and studios, with dedicated staff coordinating corporate partnerships, sponsored projects, and workforce collaborations. Its Wayne location—near interstates, regional transit, and a dense corporate base—enables convenient site visits, internships, practicums, and fast‑turnaround problem solving with nearby companies. Research and workforce initiatives draw competitive federal and state support, including grants from the National Science Foundation and the U.S. Department of Education. Research administration streamlines contracting and compliance and connects partners with faculty expertise and student talent.
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