Steam-sterilizable cationic nanodiamond–silver composites with enhanced antibacterial activity

Key Points

• This research aims to enhance the antibacterial activity of hydrogenated nanodiamonds by combining them with silver nanoparticles.
• Developed cationic nanodiamond–silver composites for antibacterial use.
• Assessed antibacterial activity and colloidal stability post steam sterilization.
• Nanodiamond–silver composites showed significantly improved antibacterial activity compared to hydrogenated nanodiamonds alone.
• Colloidal stability was better maintained after steam sterilization in the composites.