Synthesis of Silver Nanocomposite with Poly(vinylpyrollidone) and Poly(4-vinylpyridine) for Antimicrobial Activity

Abstract

Dispersing silver nanoparticles homogeneously into a polymer matrix by ex situ methods is difficult because of the easy agglomeration of nanoparticles. Therefore, convenient and effective ways of preparing Ag nanoparticles in polymer materials are still in strong demand. Vacuum deposited thin discontinuous silver films on the composite of Poly (vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) and poly (4-vinylpyridine) (P4VP) is an in situ and eco friendly method. Films on softened PVP give rise to a very high room temperature resistance approaching that of the substrate resistance indicating non uniform formation of silver clusters. On the other hand, films on softened P4VP gives rise to a room temperature resistance in the range of a few tens to a few hundred MW/€, which is desirable for device applications due adequate size and uniform dispersal of silver clusters in P4VP. Silver films on PVP/P4VP blend show room temperature resistances in the desirable range indicating uniform subsurface formation of silver films on PVP/P4VP. The Electrical, optical and plasmonic response of Ag NP onto thin layers of PVP/P4VP shows encapsulation of nanoparticles. Silver nanocomposite film exhibits characteristic UV absorbance spectrum at a wavelength of 430 nm, due to the surface plasmon resonance of nanosized silver. Silver ions being bioactive killed bacteria on infected wounds on living tissue and led physician to use wound dressing containing silver sulfadiazine and Ag NP to treat external infections. Silver lining food helps in treating various remedies and ailments.