A facile route to synthesize nanogels doped with silver nanoparticles

In this study, we describe a simple method to prepare hybrid nanogels consisting of a biocompatible core–shell polymer host containing silver nanoparticles. First, the nanogels (NG, ∼160 nm) containing a lysozyme rich core and a dextran rich shell, are prepared via Maillard and heat-gelation reactions. Second, silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs, ∼5 nm) are synthesized "in situ" in the NG solution without requiring additional reducing agents. This approach leads to stable Ag NPs located in the NG. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the amount of Ag NPs in the NG can be tuned by varying silver precursor concentration. Hybrid nanogels with silver nanoparticles have potential in antimicrobial, optical, and therapeutic applications.