Effects of AgNPs on the structure and anti-methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) properties of SiO2-CaO-P2O5 bioactive glass

•Silver acted as an intermediate ion and did not dissolve into silicate structure and then form AgNPs incorporated to glassy matrix.•Lower Ag in BG maintained higher percentage of Ag(1) and Ag clusters; higher Ag in BG increased the percentage of Ag(0) and the coalescence of AgNPs.•Bioactive glass with Ag compositions in the range of 1–10 mole ratio, presented the same antibacterial ability (MIC = 10 mg/mL) against anti-methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).