The effect of silver nanoparticles on the structure and functional properties of antimicrobial polymer nanocomposites based on polyethylene oxide

Abstract

The presence of antibacterial materials in biomedicine and related fields of science and technology has become essential. Excellent antibacterial activity and low cytotoxic potential of silver nanoparticles generally depend not only on their size, but also on the distribution in matrix media. The development of stabilized polymer-silver nanocomposites containing nanoparticles is considered to be one of the most promising solutions. We developed a new approach to the synthesis of silver nanoparticles. The structure and properties of antimicrobial nanocomposite materials based on polyethylene oxide and synthesized silver particles were studied using the methods of electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, impedance spectroscopy and disk-diffusion microbiological method. As a result, silver nanoparticles with an average size of about 8-10 nm were obtained. It was established that stabilized silver nanoparticles significantly affect the thermophysical and electrical properties of the polymer matrix at relatively low concentrations of the nanofiller (1-2%). The total electrical conductivity of the systems increases by two orders of magnitude when 2% filler is added. Nanocomposite material containing 2% of silver nanoparticles shows significant activity against Staphylococcus aureus (inhibition zone 22 mm). The novel aproach for synthesis of stabilized silver nanoparticles open a new window of possibilities in the development of new antimicrobial materials, based on various polymer matrix: from thermoplastic to elastic. The developed materials with improved functional characteristics in the future can be used as antimicrobial coatings, antimicrobial films and creams, as well as construction products with the necessary functional characteristics and antimicrobial function.