Synthesis and characterization of Ag-cellulose nanocomposites with antibacterial activity

Full text: Silver Nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been studied in recent decades due to its antimicrobial activity. This NPs supported onto cellulose have attracted attention as a result of their good performance and improved properties [1]. In this work, AgNPs were synthesized using cellophane (CL) and filter paper (FP) as support matrices. These materials were impregnated in aqueous solution of silver nitrate containing polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). After 24 h, CL or FP was immersed in basic solution PVP, and hydroxylamine as reducing agent was added. Cellulosic materials were investigated by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) showing characteristic bands of cellulose. X-ray Diffraction (DRX) analysis showed characteristic peak of the cubic Ag phase at 2θ= 38, 1° [crystallographic plane (111)] [2]. AgNPs with average size of 14-17 nm were obtained. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) images indicated AgNPs deposited on the surface of cellulose. The thermal properties of materials was investigated by Thermogravimetry (TG). Their kinetic of thermal decomposition were studied by the Vyasovkin method of dynamic isoconvertion, which indicated a catalytic effect of AgNPs in the thermal cellulose decomposition reaction. The antibacterial tests showed that cellulose-AgNPs inhibit the growth of two bacteria (Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus). References: [1] N. Shah, M. Ul-Islam, W.A. Khattak, J.K. Park. Overview of bacterial cellulose composites: A multipurpose advanced material. Carbohydrate Polymers 98 (2013) 1585-1598. [2] L.C.S. Maria, A.L.C. Santos, P.C. Oliveira, H.S. Barud, Y. Messaddeq, S.J.L. Ribeiro. Synthesis and characterization of silver nanoparticles impregnated into bacterial cellulose. Materials Letters 63 (2009) 797-799. (author)