AgNPs were also found to react with the phosphorous groups of DNA.
Morphological changes (pitting) in cellular membranes as a result of bacterial AgNP exposure were independently observed by Sondi and Salopek-Sondi , who further speculated that AgNP binding to membrane surfaces causes leeching of lipopolysacchrides and a subsequent loss of structural integrity and impermeability.
The pitted membranes thus become more porous, which disrupts ion and molecular transport and also catalyzes the entry of additional AgNPs into the cellular interior where they can cause further damage to DNA and other cellular components.