Figure 4 A model showing the cellular mechanism of Ag-NPs exposure to Gram-negative Escherichia coli. Stage A: The disintegration of the cell wall makes the intracellular components leave the cell; Stage B: Ag-NPs entered the cytoplasmic space and began to separate the cytoplasmic fluid from the cell membrane; Stage C: The interaction between Ag-NPs and DNA. Inhibition can lead to ROS production; Stage D: Cell pits appear after exposure; Stage E: Inhibition of normal ribosomal function leads to ROS production protein malformation or inhibition and improper DNA function; Stage F: Production of ROS; G: Interaction with proteins, specific cysteine. Created with BioRender.com.