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Fig. 4 | Journal of Nanobiotechnology

Fig. 4

From: Metal nanoparticles: understanding the mechanisms behind antibacterial activity

Fig. 4

A proposed model showing the mechanisms of action of Ag-NPs exposed to Gram-negative E. coli cell. (A) Disintegration of cell wall allowing intracellular components to leave the cell. (B) Ag-NPs entering periplasmic space, beginning a separation of the cytosol from membrane. (C) Interaction of Ag-NPs with DNA. Inhibition can cause ROS production. (D) Cell pits occurring after exposure. (E) Inhibition of proper ribosome function, leading to ROS production, malformation or suppression of proteins, improper DNA function. (F) ROS production. (G) Interaction with proteins, specifically cysteine

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