Z. Adamczyk - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Z. Adamczyk

Journal of Colloid and Interface Science, 2007

Deposition kinetics of polystyrene latex (averaged particle size of 0.66 µm) on mica covered by p... more Deposition kinetics of polystyrene latex (averaged particle size of 0.66 µm) on mica covered by poly(ethylene imine) (PEI), a cationic polyelectrolyte having an average molecular mass of 75,000 g mol −1 , was studied using the impinging-jet method. The hydrodynamic radius of PEI, determined by PCS measurements, was 5.3 nm. The electrophoretic mobility of PEI was measured as a function of pH for ionic strengths of 10 −3 and 10 −2 M, which made it possible one to determine the amount of electrokinetic charge of the molecule and its zeta potential. Formation of the polyelectrolyte layer on mica was followed by measuring the streaming potential in the parallel-plate channel. From these measurements, the dependence of the apparent zeta potential of mica on the surface coverage of PEI was determined. The amount of adsorbed PEI on mica was calculated from the convective diffusion theory. These results were quantitatively interpreted in terms of the theoretical model postulating a particle-like adsorption mechanism for PEI with not too significant shape deformation upon adsorption. On the other hand, the Gouy-Chapman model postulating the adsorption in the form of flat disks was proved inappropriate. After the surface was fully characterized, particle deposition experiments were carried out with the aim of finding the correlation between the polymer coverage and the initial rate of latex particle deposition. In the range of small polyelectrolyte coverage, a monotonic relation between the polymer coverage and the initial deposition rate of particles, as well as the jamming coverage, was found. For Θ PEI > 0.25, the initial particle deposition rate attained the value predicted from the convective diffusion theory for homogeneous surfaces. These results were interpreted theoretically by postulating that an effective immobilization of colloid particles occurred on local polyelectrolyte assemblages containing between two and three PEI molecules.

Journal of Colloid and Interface Science, 2010

The multiple expansion method was applied for calculating friction tensors and hydrodynamic radii... more The multiple expansion method was applied for calculating friction tensors and hydrodynamic radii R(H) of rigid molecules of various shape, composed of n(s) equal sized, touching spheres. The maximum value of n(s) studied was 450, which covers most situations met in practice. Calculations were performed for linear chains, half-circles, circles (cyclic molecules) and S-shaped aggregates. It was shown that our results agreed with previous theoretical data obtained for linear chains and cyclic aggregates, for n(s)<100. For larger n(s), studied exclusively in our work, interpolating analytical expressions were formulated for the hydrodynamic radii R(H). These expressions, involving logarithmic function of the aspect ratio parameter (length to width ratio of the macromolecules), are the main finding of our work. Using these expressions, the ratio of the hydrodynamic radius of cyclic-to-linear aggregate q(f) was calculated, which is a parameter of vital significance. It was determined that q(f) attained values close to 0.95 for n(s) approximately 450. This suggests that the previous analytical results derived by Tchen [19], in the slender body limit, who predicted that q(f)-->12/11=1.09, are not applicable for n(s)<450. Using the R(H) values, the average translation diffusion coefficients and the sedimentation coefficients for these aggregate shapes were calculated. It was shown that our theoretical results are in good agreement with experimental data obtained for polyelectrolytes and for DNA fragments of various molecular mass. It was concluded that our results can be effectively used to determine the shape of macromolecules, in particular to discriminate between linear and cyclic DNA configurations.

Journal of Colloid and Interface Science, 2011

A stable silver nanoparticle suspension was synthesized via the reduction of silver nitrate using... more A stable silver nanoparticle suspension was synthesized via the reduction of silver nitrate using sodium borohydride and sodium citrate. The particle's shape and size distribution were measured by various methods. The electrophoretic mobility measurements revealed that the zeta potential of particles was highly negative, increasing slightly with the ionic strength, from À52 mV for I = 10 -5 M to À35 mV for I = 3 Â 10 À2 M (for pH = 5.5). The zeta potential of mica modified by the adsorption of cationic polyelectrolytes: PEI and PAH was also determined using the streaming potential measurements. The modified mica sheets were used as substrates for particle monolayers formed via colloid self assembly. The kinetics of this process, proceeding under diffusion-controlled transport conditions, was quantitatively evaluated by a direct enumeration of particles using the AFM and SEM techniques. Both the kinetics of particle deposition and the maximum surface concentration were determined. From the slope of the initial deposition rates, the equivalent diameter of particles was determined to be 16 nm, in agreement with previous measurements. Based on this finding, an efficient method of determining particle size in suspension was proposed. It was also demonstrated that for higher ionic strengths, the maximum coverage of particle monolayers on PAH modified mica exceeded 0.39. The kinetic data were quantitatively interpreted in terms of the random sequential adsorption (RSA) model using the effective hard particle concept.

Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects, 2011

A stable silver nanoparticle sol was synthesized via the reduction of silver nitrate using sodium... more A stable silver nanoparticle sol was synthesized via the reduction of silver nitrate using sodium borohydride in the presence of polyvinyl alcohol serving as the stabilizing agent. Bulk characteristics of this sol involved the solid weight content, the extinction spectrum, diffusion coefficient (hydrodynamic diameter) measured by dynamic light scattering (DLS) and the electrophoretic mobility. The average diameter of silver nanoparticles measured by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) was 19 and 18 nm, respectively. On the other hand, the hydrodynamic diameter of particles, determined via the diffusion coefficients measurements was 25 nm, being fairly independent of ionic strength. The electrophoretic mobility measurements revealed that the zeta potential of nanoparticles increased with the ionic strength, from −43 mV for I = 10 −4 M to −12 mV for I = 3 × 10 −2 M. Using the sol, the kinetics of silver particle deposition on mica modified by a PEI sublayer was studied under diffusion-controlled transport conditions. The surface concentration of particles was determined by a directly enumeration using AFM and SEM technique. The measurements were performed for various ionic strengths ranging from 10 −4 to 3 × 10 −2 M. Both the kinetics of particle deposition (for the time reaching 24 h) and the maximum surface concentration were determined. It was found that for higher ionic strength the maximum coverage exceeded 0.2, and the monolayers were uniform in a macroscopic scale. It was also proven that the monolayers were stable over a prolonged time period. The kinetic data were quantitatively interpreted in terms of the random sequential adsorption (RSA) model using the effective hard particle concept. It was concluded that by applying the self-assembling process exploited in our work, uniform silver particle monolayers of controlled density can be produced in a reliable way.

Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects, 2010

Polyelectrolyte viscosity Electrophoretic mobility of PAH Conformations of PAH Intrinsic viscosit... more Polyelectrolyte viscosity Electrophoretic mobility of PAH Conformations of PAH Intrinsic viscosity of polyelectrolyte PAH structure in electrolytes a b s t r a c t In this work, the conformations of poly(allylamine hydrochloride) (PAH) molecules in electrolyte solutions were determined experimentally for various pH and ionic strength by dynamic light scattering (DLS), microelectrophoresis and dynamic viscosity measurements. The molecular weight of the polymer exhibited a narrow size distribution and the average value of 15 kDa. Using the diffusion coefficient data obtained by DLS, the hydrodynamic radius R H of PAH for various conditions was calculated. It was found that that R H varied between 4.80 nm for I = 5 × 10 −3 and 6.15 nm for I = 0.15 M at pH 6.5. These R H values were consistent with predictions stemming from Brenner's theory, approximating the real particle shape by prolate spheroids, bent to the various forms. Such molecule shape was also confirmed by the molecular dynamics numerical simulations. Using these R H values and electrophoretic mobility data, the average number of uncompensated (free) charges N c and the effective ionization degree of PAH molecules in solutions were calculated. The maximum number of the free charges N c was 27 at pH = 6.0, which gives the effective ionization degree of 17%. Supplementary shape information was derived from the dynamic viscosity measurements of dilute PAH solutions using a capillary viscometer. The intrinsic viscosity derived from these measurements varied between 105 and 35 for the ionic strength from 5 × 10 −3 to 0.15 M. It was shown, after introducing the correction for hydration, that the experimental results were well accounted for by the Brenner's viscosity theory for slender particle suspensions. From these measurements, the effective lengths of the molecule for various ionic strength and pH were calculated. This parameter varied between 32 nm for I = 5 × 10 −3 M and pH = 6.5 (high ionization of the molecule) to 17.3 nm for I = 0.15 M and pH = 9.5 (low ionization). For comparison, the contour length L ext predicted for fully extended polymer chain was 40.7 nm. However, these values, consistent with the hydrodynamic radius measurements, were significantly higher than the data derived from numerical simulation. This discrepancy was interpreted as due to the extensive hydration of PAH molecules, increasing their stiffness, which was not considered in simulations. Therefore, confirming the major role of hydration for determining polyelectrolyte shape, especially their effective length, was considered the major finding of this work.

Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects, 2003

Irreversible adsorption of negatively charged polystyrene latex particles (averaged diameter 0.9 ... more Irreversible adsorption of negatively charged polystyrene latex particles (averaged diameter 0.9 mm) at heterogeneous surfaces was studied experimentally. The substrate of controlled heterogeneity was produced by covering freshly cleaved mica sheets by positively charged polystyrene latex (averaged diameter of 0.47 mm) to a desired surface coverage. Positive latex deposition was carried out under convection and diffusion-controlled transport conditions and the coverage (defined as heterogeneity degree) was determined by direct particle counting using the optical and electron microscopy. Deposition kinetics of larger latex particles at heterogeneous surfaces produced in this way was studied by using the direct optical microscope observations in the impinging-jet and diffusion cells. It was demonstrated that the initial adsorption rate under the convection-controlled transport attained the limiting value pertinent to homogeneous surfaces for heterogeneity degree of a few per cent. This effect was even more pronounced for diffusion-controlled transport conditions. This behaviour was quantitatively interpreted in terms of the theoretical model considering the coupling between surface and bulk transport of particles. Similarly, the experimental results obtained for higher surface coverage of latex (long adsorption times) were in a good agreement with the generalised random sequential adsorption (RSA) model. #

Langmuir, 2004

Polyelectrolyte multilayer adsorption on mica was studied by the streaming potential method in th... more Polyelectrolyte multilayer adsorption on mica was studied by the streaming potential method in the parallel-plate channel setup. The technique was calibrated by performing model measurements of streaming potential by using monodisperse latex particles. Two types of polyelectrolytes were used in our studies: poly(allylamine) hydrochloride (PAH), of a cationic type, and poly(sodium 4-styrenesulfonate) (PSS) of an anionic type, both having molecular weight of 70 000. The bulk characteristics of polymers were determined by measuring the specific density, diffusion coefficient for various ionic strengths, and zeta potential. These measurements as well as molecular dynamic simulations of chain shape and configurations suggested that the molecules assume an extended, wormlike shape in the bulk. Accordingly, the diffusion coefficient was interpreted in terms of a simple hydrodynamic model pertinent to flexible rods. These data allowed a proper interpretation of polyelectrolyte multilayer adsorption from NaCl solutions of various concentrations or from 10 -3 M Tris buffer. After completing a bilayer, periodic variations in the apparent zeta potential between positive and negative values were observed for multilayers terminated by PAH and PSS, respectively. These limiting zeta potential values correlated quite well with the zeta potential of the polymers in the bulk. The stability of polyelectrolyte films against prolonged washing (reaching 26 h) also was determined using the streaming potential method. It was demonstrated that the PSS layer was considerably more resistant to washing, compared to the PAH layer. It was concluded that the experimental data were consistent with the model postulating particle-like adsorption of polyelectrolytes with little chain interpenetration. It also was concluded that due to high sensitivity, the electrokinetic method applied can be effectively used for quantitative studies of polyelectrolyte adsorption, desorption, and reconformation.

Journal of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology

Monodisperse silver nanoparticle sols were synthesized via chemical reduction processes in aqueou... more Monodisperse silver nanoparticle sols were synthesized via chemical reduction processes in aqueous environment without using polymeric stabilizing agents or surfactants. The sols obtained using various reducing agents; inorganic cell permeabilizers and organic phenolic compounds; inter alia gallic acid (GA) and tannin (TA) were thoroughly characterized by various physicochemical methods such as TEM, SEM, AFM, DLS and micro-electrophoresis. The antibacterial activity of the sols against two E. coli strains was characterized via the determination of the Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC). All sols exhibited a pronounced bactericidal effect against the standard K12 strain, especially the GA and TA sols showing MBC concentration as low as 1–5 mg L−1. In the case of the antibiotic resistant strain the highest activity (MBC of 10 mg L−1) was observed for the sol synthesized using sodium hypophosphate and sodium tripolyphosphate. Additionally, interactions of silver nanoparticles wit...

Journal of Colloid and Interface Science, 2007

Deposition kinetics of polystyrene latex (averaged particle size of 0.66 µm) on mica covered by p... more Deposition kinetics of polystyrene latex (averaged particle size of 0.66 µm) on mica covered by poly(ethylene imine) (PEI), a cationic polyelectrolyte having an average molecular mass of 75,000 g mol −1 , was studied using the impinging-jet method. The hydrodynamic radius of PEI, determined by PCS measurements, was 5.3 nm. The electrophoretic mobility of PEI was measured as a function of pH for ionic strengths of 10 −3 and 10 −2 M, which made it possible one to determine the amount of electrokinetic charge of the molecule and its zeta potential. Formation of the polyelectrolyte layer on mica was followed by measuring the streaming potential in the parallel-plate channel. From these measurements, the dependence of the apparent zeta potential of mica on the surface coverage of PEI was determined. The amount of adsorbed PEI on mica was calculated from the convective diffusion theory. These results were quantitatively interpreted in terms of the theoretical model postulating a particle-like adsorption mechanism for PEI with not too significant shape deformation upon adsorption. On the other hand, the Gouy-Chapman model postulating the adsorption in the form of flat disks was proved inappropriate. After the surface was fully characterized, particle deposition experiments were carried out with the aim of finding the correlation between the polymer coverage and the initial rate of latex particle deposition. In the range of small polyelectrolyte coverage, a monotonic relation between the polymer coverage and the initial deposition rate of particles, as well as the jamming coverage, was found. For Θ PEI > 0.25, the initial particle deposition rate attained the value predicted from the convective diffusion theory for homogeneous surfaces. These results were interpreted theoretically by postulating that an effective immobilization of colloid particles occurred on local polyelectrolyte assemblages containing between two and three PEI molecules.

Journal of Colloid and Interface Science, 2010

The multiple expansion method was applied for calculating friction tensors and hydrodynamic radii... more The multiple expansion method was applied for calculating friction tensors and hydrodynamic radii R(H) of rigid molecules of various shape, composed of n(s) equal sized, touching spheres. The maximum value of n(s) studied was 450, which covers most situations met in practice. Calculations were performed for linear chains, half-circles, circles (cyclic molecules) and S-shaped aggregates. It was shown that our results agreed with previous theoretical data obtained for linear chains and cyclic aggregates, for n(s)<100. For larger n(s), studied exclusively in our work, interpolating analytical expressions were formulated for the hydrodynamic radii R(H). These expressions, involving logarithmic function of the aspect ratio parameter (length to width ratio of the macromolecules), are the main finding of our work. Using these expressions, the ratio of the hydrodynamic radius of cyclic-to-linear aggregate q(f) was calculated, which is a parameter of vital significance. It was determined that q(f) attained values close to 0.95 for n(s) approximately 450. This suggests that the previous analytical results derived by Tchen [19], in the slender body limit, who predicted that q(f)-->12/11=1.09, are not applicable for n(s)<450. Using the R(H) values, the average translation diffusion coefficients and the sedimentation coefficients for these aggregate shapes were calculated. It was shown that our theoretical results are in good agreement with experimental data obtained for polyelectrolytes and for DNA fragments of various molecular mass. It was concluded that our results can be effectively used to determine the shape of macromolecules, in particular to discriminate between linear and cyclic DNA configurations.

Journal of Colloid and Interface Science, 2011

A stable silver nanoparticle suspension was synthesized via the reduction of silver nitrate using... more A stable silver nanoparticle suspension was synthesized via the reduction of silver nitrate using sodium borohydride and sodium citrate. The particle's shape and size distribution were measured by various methods. The electrophoretic mobility measurements revealed that the zeta potential of particles was highly negative, increasing slightly with the ionic strength, from À52 mV for I = 10 -5 M to À35 mV for I = 3 Â 10 À2 M (for pH = 5.5). The zeta potential of mica modified by the adsorption of cationic polyelectrolytes: PEI and PAH was also determined using the streaming potential measurements. The modified mica sheets were used as substrates for particle monolayers formed via colloid self assembly. The kinetics of this process, proceeding under diffusion-controlled transport conditions, was quantitatively evaluated by a direct enumeration of particles using the AFM and SEM techniques. Both the kinetics of particle deposition and the maximum surface concentration were determined. From the slope of the initial deposition rates, the equivalent diameter of particles was determined to be 16 nm, in agreement with previous measurements. Based on this finding, an efficient method of determining particle size in suspension was proposed. It was also demonstrated that for higher ionic strengths, the maximum coverage of particle monolayers on PAH modified mica exceeded 0.39. The kinetic data were quantitatively interpreted in terms of the random sequential adsorption (RSA) model using the effective hard particle concept.

Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects, 2011

A stable silver nanoparticle sol was synthesized via the reduction of silver nitrate using sodium... more A stable silver nanoparticle sol was synthesized via the reduction of silver nitrate using sodium borohydride in the presence of polyvinyl alcohol serving as the stabilizing agent. Bulk characteristics of this sol involved the solid weight content, the extinction spectrum, diffusion coefficient (hydrodynamic diameter) measured by dynamic light scattering (DLS) and the electrophoretic mobility. The average diameter of silver nanoparticles measured by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) was 19 and 18 nm, respectively. On the other hand, the hydrodynamic diameter of particles, determined via the diffusion coefficients measurements was 25 nm, being fairly independent of ionic strength. The electrophoretic mobility measurements revealed that the zeta potential of nanoparticles increased with the ionic strength, from −43 mV for I = 10 −4 M to −12 mV for I = 3 × 10 −2 M. Using the sol, the kinetics of silver particle deposition on mica modified by a PEI sublayer was studied under diffusion-controlled transport conditions. The surface concentration of particles was determined by a directly enumeration using AFM and SEM technique. The measurements were performed for various ionic strengths ranging from 10 −4 to 3 × 10 −2 M. Both the kinetics of particle deposition (for the time reaching 24 h) and the maximum surface concentration were determined. It was found that for higher ionic strength the maximum coverage exceeded 0.2, and the monolayers were uniform in a macroscopic scale. It was also proven that the monolayers were stable over a prolonged time period. The kinetic data were quantitatively interpreted in terms of the random sequential adsorption (RSA) model using the effective hard particle concept. It was concluded that by applying the self-assembling process exploited in our work, uniform silver particle monolayers of controlled density can be produced in a reliable way.

Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects, 2010

Polyelectrolyte viscosity Electrophoretic mobility of PAH Conformations of PAH Intrinsic viscosit... more Polyelectrolyte viscosity Electrophoretic mobility of PAH Conformations of PAH Intrinsic viscosity of polyelectrolyte PAH structure in electrolytes a b s t r a c t In this work, the conformations of poly(allylamine hydrochloride) (PAH) molecules in electrolyte solutions were determined experimentally for various pH and ionic strength by dynamic light scattering (DLS), microelectrophoresis and dynamic viscosity measurements. The molecular weight of the polymer exhibited a narrow size distribution and the average value of 15 kDa. Using the diffusion coefficient data obtained by DLS, the hydrodynamic radius R H of PAH for various conditions was calculated. It was found that that R H varied between 4.80 nm for I = 5 × 10 −3 and 6.15 nm for I = 0.15 M at pH 6.5. These R H values were consistent with predictions stemming from Brenner's theory, approximating the real particle shape by prolate spheroids, bent to the various forms. Such molecule shape was also confirmed by the molecular dynamics numerical simulations. Using these R H values and electrophoretic mobility data, the average number of uncompensated (free) charges N c and the effective ionization degree of PAH molecules in solutions were calculated. The maximum number of the free charges N c was 27 at pH = 6.0, which gives the effective ionization degree of 17%. Supplementary shape information was derived from the dynamic viscosity measurements of dilute PAH solutions using a capillary viscometer. The intrinsic viscosity derived from these measurements varied between 105 and 35 for the ionic strength from 5 × 10 −3 to 0.15 M. It was shown, after introducing the correction for hydration, that the experimental results were well accounted for by the Brenner's viscosity theory for slender particle suspensions. From these measurements, the effective lengths of the molecule for various ionic strength and pH were calculated. This parameter varied between 32 nm for I = 5 × 10 −3 M and pH = 6.5 (high ionization of the molecule) to 17.3 nm for I = 0.15 M and pH = 9.5 (low ionization). For comparison, the contour length L ext predicted for fully extended polymer chain was 40.7 nm. However, these values, consistent with the hydrodynamic radius measurements, were significantly higher than the data derived from numerical simulation. This discrepancy was interpreted as due to the extensive hydration of PAH molecules, increasing their stiffness, which was not considered in simulations. Therefore, confirming the major role of hydration for determining polyelectrolyte shape, especially their effective length, was considered the major finding of this work.

Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects, 2003

Irreversible adsorption of negatively charged polystyrene latex particles (averaged diameter 0.9 ... more Irreversible adsorption of negatively charged polystyrene latex particles (averaged diameter 0.9 mm) at heterogeneous surfaces was studied experimentally. The substrate of controlled heterogeneity was produced by covering freshly cleaved mica sheets by positively charged polystyrene latex (averaged diameter of 0.47 mm) to a desired surface coverage. Positive latex deposition was carried out under convection and diffusion-controlled transport conditions and the coverage (defined as heterogeneity degree) was determined by direct particle counting using the optical and electron microscopy. Deposition kinetics of larger latex particles at heterogeneous surfaces produced in this way was studied by using the direct optical microscope observations in the impinging-jet and diffusion cells. It was demonstrated that the initial adsorption rate under the convection-controlled transport attained the limiting value pertinent to homogeneous surfaces for heterogeneity degree of a few per cent. This effect was even more pronounced for diffusion-controlled transport conditions. This behaviour was quantitatively interpreted in terms of the theoretical model considering the coupling between surface and bulk transport of particles. Similarly, the experimental results obtained for higher surface coverage of latex (long adsorption times) were in a good agreement with the generalised random sequential adsorption (RSA) model. #

Langmuir, 2004

Polyelectrolyte multilayer adsorption on mica was studied by the streaming potential method in th... more Polyelectrolyte multilayer adsorption on mica was studied by the streaming potential method in the parallel-plate channel setup. The technique was calibrated by performing model measurements of streaming potential by using monodisperse latex particles. Two types of polyelectrolytes were used in our studies: poly(allylamine) hydrochloride (PAH), of a cationic type, and poly(sodium 4-styrenesulfonate) (PSS) of an anionic type, both having molecular weight of 70 000. The bulk characteristics of polymers were determined by measuring the specific density, diffusion coefficient for various ionic strengths, and zeta potential. These measurements as well as molecular dynamic simulations of chain shape and configurations suggested that the molecules assume an extended, wormlike shape in the bulk. Accordingly, the diffusion coefficient was interpreted in terms of a simple hydrodynamic model pertinent to flexible rods. These data allowed a proper interpretation of polyelectrolyte multilayer adsorption from NaCl solutions of various concentrations or from 10 -3 M Tris buffer. After completing a bilayer, periodic variations in the apparent zeta potential between positive and negative values were observed for multilayers terminated by PAH and PSS, respectively. These limiting zeta potential values correlated quite well with the zeta potential of the polymers in the bulk. The stability of polyelectrolyte films against prolonged washing (reaching 26 h) also was determined using the streaming potential method. It was demonstrated that the PSS layer was considerably more resistant to washing, compared to the PAH layer. It was concluded that the experimental data were consistent with the model postulating particle-like adsorption of polyelectrolytes with little chain interpenetration. It also was concluded that due to high sensitivity, the electrokinetic method applied can be effectively used for quantitative studies of polyelectrolyte adsorption, desorption, and reconformation.

Journal of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology

Monodisperse silver nanoparticle sols were synthesized via chemical reduction processes in aqueou... more Monodisperse silver nanoparticle sols were synthesized via chemical reduction processes in aqueous environment without using polymeric stabilizing agents or surfactants. The sols obtained using various reducing agents; inorganic cell permeabilizers and organic phenolic compounds; inter alia gallic acid (GA) and tannin (TA) were thoroughly characterized by various physicochemical methods such as TEM, SEM, AFM, DLS and micro-electrophoresis. The antibacterial activity of the sols against two E. coli strains was characterized via the determination of the Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC). All sols exhibited a pronounced bactericidal effect against the standard K12 strain, especially the GA and TA sols showing MBC concentration as low as 1–5 mg L−1. In the case of the antibiotic resistant strain the highest activity (MBC of 10 mg L−1) was observed for the sol synthesized using sodium hypophosphate and sodium tripolyphosphate. Additionally, interactions of silver nanoparticles wit...