Development of Silver Ion Doped Antibacterial Clays and Investigation of Their Antibacterial Activity

Kaolinite, sepiolite, and clinoptilolite were used as carriers to develop antibacterial materials. The materials were enriched in sodium by ion exchange. Silver ion exchange by silver nitrate followed by phosphoric acid treatment enabled the controlled release of silver. The antibacterial function of the materials was investigated by halo test and the amount of silver released was investigated by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The enhanced antibacterial efficiency was obtained by minimizing the silver release which further provided longevity to the material and prevented the health risks posed by excess silver release