Fabrication of Chitosan–Carboxymethyl Cellulose Silver Nanocomposite Films as Antimicrobial Materials

Abstract

AbstractThis study presents the in situ fabrication of silver nanoparticles through “green” synthetic approach by reducing silver nitrate salt with non-toxic carboxymethyl cellulose. The chitosan and carboxymethyl cellulose-based silver nanocomposite film was fabricated by solution casting method. The samples were characterized by UV–visible spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and FTIR spectroscopy. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were carried to evaluate the size and morphology of silver nanoparticles embedded in nanocomposite films. Mechanical testing and thermogravimetry confirmed the improved mechanical strength and thermal stability of chitosan–carboxymethyl cellulose silver nanocomposite (CHCMCNC) films as compared to chitosan–carboxymethyl cellulose blend (CHCMCB). SEM and TEM images clearly indicated the presence of silver nanoparticles with uniform size distribution in CHCMCNC films. The antibacterial activity of fabricated nanocomposite films has been tested against two different pathogenic strains, E. coli and S. aureus. The chitosan–carboxymethyl cellulose silver nanocomposite films can be explored as antibacterial materials for packaging as well as wound dressing.KeywordsChitosanCarboxymethyl celluloseAntibacterial activityPolymer nanocomposite