National Nanotechnology Infrastructure Network

National Nanotechnology Infrastructure Network

Serving Nanoscale Science, Engineering & Technology

Silver Nanoparticle Socks

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This lab will allow students to use the pure silver nanoparticles they synthesize to create antibacterial socks. They will compare their socks with socks that have been treated with a commercial silver spray, socks that have been treated in a factory, and a control that was not been treated.  After a 24-hour period in which the bacteria will be allowed to grow on the agar plates, each culture (which will contain a piece of sock) will be observed for a zone of inhibition. Socks are easy for students to relate to and show how nanoparticles can have simple relevant applications.