Evaluation of the mechanical, physical and antimicrobial properties of chitosan thin films doped with greenly synthesized silver nanoparticles

Abstract

Chitosan is a natural polysaccharide with unique physical, chemical and biological properties that potentiates its use in many biomedical applications. In this study, chitosan thin film was doped with different concentrations of green synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) (100−400 μg) to improve its mechanical and antimicrobial activity. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), UV–vis absorption spectroscopy and dynamic light scattering (DLS) were used to characterize the silver nanoparticles. The silver-doped chitosan films were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) in addition to assessment of their mechanical and antimicrobial properties. The characterization results revealed the successful formation of spherical silver nanoparticles with a size distribution of 100 nm ± 40 nm. The mechanical properties of chitosan film doped with silver nanoparticles (300, 400 μg) showed superior mechanical properties over pure chitosan film. Compared with pure chitosan film, silver nanoparticles doped chitosan films showed significant antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus. Chitosan film doped with 300 μg AgNPs showed significant antifungal activity against Candida albicans compared with pure chitosan. Accordingly, doping of chitosan film with silver nanoparticles greatly improves its mechanical properties and antimicrobial activity.