Antibacterial nanocomposite of functionalized nanogold and gallium-doped hydroxyapatite

Abstract We developed a nanocomposite of Au nanoparticles, functionalized with arginine, and hydroxyapatite that contains Ga 3 + ions. This material possesses double antibacterial protection – a contact-based action by the functionalized gold nanoparticles and the antibacterial action of Ga 3 + ions. Here we show that the material is efficient against E. coli , S. epidermidis and P. aeruginosa and that the functionalized Au nanoparticles are mainly responsible for the antibacterial action against E. coli and S. epidermidis , while Ga 3 + ions are mainly responsible for the antibacterial action against P. aeruginosa . Such nanocomposites with combined antimicrobial effect present an innovative way for prevention and cure of bacterial infections and seem a promising human-friendly alternative for antibiotics and Ag-based antibacterial materials in treatments of infections by bacteria resistant to antibiotics.