Optimisation for the synthesis of uniformly dispersed antimicrobial Ag/GO nanohybrid latex film

Abstract

The combination of silver (Ag) nanoparticles (NPs) and graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets can be an advanced solution for an effective antimicrobial polymer film without agglomeration effect to reduce healthcare-associated infections. This study aims to develop an optimum formulation of Ag/GO nanohybrid latex film with the integration of antimicrobial property and mechanical reliability. A statistical approach using response surface methodology was employed to determine the optimum formulation. The concentrations of Ag/GO nanohybrid, A (0.0–1.0 wt%) and sulphur level, B (0–3 phr) were selected as the variables. Nine responses, killing ratio of E. coli, S. aureus, MRSA, K. pneumoniae, S. pyogenes, E. faecalis, E. faecium, tensile strength and puncture test were chosen to determine the optimum formulation. The optimised Ag/GO nanohybrid concentration and sulphur level are 1.21 wt% and 1.70 phr, respectively. These optimised variables are predicted to have killing ratios of 94.3367 %, 71.2997 %, 85.2221 %, 86.8940 %, 88.4657 %, 65.1685 % and 71.7915 % for E. coli, S. aureus, MRSA, S. pyogenes, K. pneumoniae, E. faecalis and E. faecium, respectively, together with tensile strength at 130.838 cm and puncture test at 91.0230 mm at 0.8862 desirability. No toxic effects and no sensitisation effects were detected on the skin applied with Ag/GO nanohybrid latex film.