Synthesis of a montmorillonite-based nanocomposite with antibacterial properties

Abstract

This study investigates the intercalation of montmorillonite clays from the Tagan deposit with silver nanoparticles and evaluates their potential for biomedical applications. Purification of the raw material using the Salo method ensured the removal of coarse mineral impurities and enrichment of the montmorillonite fraction. The analyses revealed the predominance of montmorillonite and kaolinite in the purified samples, while SEM data confirmed increased porosity and effective distribution of silver nanoparticles within the interlayer space. Modification resulted in the formation of a hybrid structure with high surface reactivity, allowing the material to be considered a promising carrier for the immobilization and controlled release of pharmaceutical substances. In addition, the modified bentonite may be used in antimicrobial coatings, wound-healing materials, drug delivery systems, medicinal ointments, as well as in sorption and environmental protection technologies. The incorporation of silver nanoparticles also enhanced the antibacterial potential of the clay matrix, which is particularly important for the development of advanced biomedical and healthcare-related materials. Furthermore, the combination of natural clay minerals with nanoscale silver provides a cost-effective and environmentally friendly platform for creating multifunctional composites with improved physicochemical and biological properties. The results confirm that purification and functionalization with silver nanoparticles significantly improve the properties of these clays and expand their potential practical applications.

Keywords: montmorillonite, silver nanoparticles, green method, antibacterial properties, nanocomposite.