ABSTRACT
This chapter aims to give an overview and critically assess the most relevant advances in the area of Ag-based NPs and nanocomposites as biomedical devices for the treatment of infections. It reviews the most remarkable research in the field, discussing the molecular mechanisms of Ag NP action, as well as the open questions, especially in terms of methodological approaches. The chapter addresses the experimental drawbacks, especially concerning biological and bio-safety issues and suggesting future applications and research opportunities. It starts reviewing the current data on the biocidal effects of Ag NPs. The chapter provides some guidelines to overcome possible experimental artefacts and to design antibacterial devices based on nanosilver. In particular, it explores the effect of spherical, tubular and triangular Ag NPs showed that these latter displayed the strongest effects. The chapter focuses the reader's attention on some biological aspects.
