Synthesis and characterization of silver nanoparticles impregnated into bacterial cellulose

This article presents a study about the synthesis of colloidal silver (Ag)/biopolymer where Ag submicron particles were prepared in situ on bacterial cellulose (BC) produced by Gluconacetobacter xylinus. Different reducing agents were compared (hydrazine, hydroxylamine or ascorbic acid) together with the influence of gelatin or polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) employed as colloid protectors. Particle size distribution and morphology were investigated by scanning electron microscope (SEM). SEM images show silver nanoparticles (40-100 nm) size range attached on (BC) microfibrils. XRD analyses confirmed the Ag cubic phase deposited oil to BC fibrils. The ash contents determined by thermogravimetric analyses have indicated high level of silver loading oil the obtained composites. (c) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.