Green Synthesis and Characterization of Gelatin-PVA Silver Nanocomposite Films for Improved Antimicrobial Activity

The present study deals with the in-situ production of gelatin-poly(vinyl alcohol)-silver nanocomposite films in view of their growing applications as antimicrobial packaging/container, wound dressing and antibacterial materials. Silver in the form of silver nanoparticles has made an amazing comeback as a prospective antimicrobial agent. The use of silver nanoparticles is also significant, as several pathogenic bacteria have developed resistance against various antibiotics. A unique, nontoxic, simple, lucrative and ecofriendly technique was used to synthesize green silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). The AgNPs were synthesized using Lupulus amarus extract as a reducing agent for silver nitrate salt (AgNO3). The particle size distribution of AgNPs was examined by Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) and the concentration was examined by UV-VIS Spectrophotometer. The stable dispersion of silver nanoparticles was added slowly in gelatin -PVA solution and was crosslinked using glutaraldehyde (cross-linker). The Gelatin-PVA Silver nanocomposite solution was casted in a petri dish and dried to form a film. The nanoparticles encapsulated within polymer chains were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The green AgNPs nanocomposite film exhibited significant antimicrobial activity against both Gram-negative bacteria, and Gram-positive bacteria. Therefore, the present study clearly provides an approach to develop novel antimicrobial films which are possibly useful in preventing/treating infections and can be used as antibacterial container or in food packaging. (paper)