Multifaceted Assessment of Porous Silica Nanocomposites: Unraveling Physical, Structural, and Biological Transformations Induced by Microwave Field Modification
Aleksandra Strach,
Mateusz Dulski,
Daniel Wasilkowski,
Krzysztof Matus,
Karolina Dudek,
Jacek Podwórny,
Patrycja Rawicka,
Vladlens Grebnevs,
Natalia Waloszczyk,
Anna Nowak,
Paulina Poloczek,
Sylwia Golba
Affiliations
Aleksandra Strach
Doctoral School, University of Silesia, Bankowa 14, 40-032 Katowice, Poland
Mateusz Dulski
Institute of Materials Engineering, University of Silesia, 75 Pulku Piechoty 1A, 41-500 Chorzow, Poland
Daniel Wasilkowski
Institute of Biology, Biotechnology, and Environmental Protection, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Silesia, Jagiellonska 28, 40-032 Katowice, Poland
Krzysztof Matus
Materials Research Laboratory, Silesian University of Technology, Konarskiego 18A, 44-100 Gliwice, Poland
Karolina Dudek
Łukasiewicz Research Network, Institute of Ceramics and Building Materials, Cementowa 8, 31-938 Cracow, Poland
Jacek Podwórny
Łukasiewicz Research Network, Institute of Ceramics and Building Materials, Cementowa 8, 31-938 Cracow, Poland
Patrycja Rawicka
A. Chełkowski Institute of Physics, University of Silesia, 75 Pulku Piechoty 1, 41-500 Chorzow, Poland
Vladlens Grebnevs
Faculty of Chemistry, University of Latvia, Jelgavas Street 1, LV-1004 Riga, Latvia
Natalia Waloszczyk
Faculty of Chemistry, Silesian University of Technology, B. Krzywoustego Street 6, 44-100 Gliwice, Poland
Anna Nowak
Institute of Biology, Biotechnology, and Environmental Protection, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Silesia, Jagiellonska 28, 40-032 Katowice, Poland
Paulina Poloczek
Institute of Materials Engineering, University of Silesia, 75 Pulku Piechoty 1A, 41-500 Chorzow, Poland
Sylwia Golba
Institute of Materials Engineering, University of Silesia, 75 Pulku Piechoty 1A, 41-500 Chorzow, Poland
In response to the persistent challenge of heavy and noble metal environmental contamination, our research explores a new idea to capture silver through porous spherical silica nanostructures. The aim was realized using microwave radiation at varying power (P = 150 or 800 W) and exposure times (t = 60 or 150 s). It led to the development of a silica surface with enhanced metal-capture capacity. The microwave-assisted silica surface modification influences the notable changes within the carrier but also enforces the crystallization process of silver nanoparticles with different morphology, structure, and chemical composition. Microwave treatment can also stimulate the formation of core–shell bioactive Ag/Ag2CO3 heterojunctions. Due to the silver nanoparticles’ sphericity and silver carbonate’s presence, the modified nanocomposites exhibited heightened toxicity against common microorganisms, such as E. coli and S. epidermidis. Toxicological assessments, including minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) determinations, underscored the efficacy of the nanocomposites. This research represents a significant stride in addressing pollution challenges. It shows the potential of microwave-modified silicas in the fight against environmental contamination. Microwave engineering underscores a sophisticated approach to pollution remediation and emphasizes the pivotal role of nanotechnology in shaping sustainable solutions for environmental stewardship.
