Mechanisms of Resistance to Silver Nanoparticles in Endodontic Bacteria: A Literature Review

Figure 1

The difference in zeta potential values between bacteria (−26 mV) and AgNPs (−15 mV) exerts attraction and greater contact of AgNPs and bacteria. The envelope stress response is activated in the presence of AgNPs and incorporates positive charges into the bacterial cell wall. The incorporation of positive charges allows the bacteria to equalize the electrical charge with the surface of the AgNPs causing its repulsion.