Preparation and characterization of polyvinyl alcohol/β-cyclodextrin/GO-Ag nanocomposite with improved antibacterial and strength properties

In this work, new hydrogel films based on polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and beta-cyclodextrin (beta-CD) were prepared with the aim of studying their ability as an antibacterial and drug carrier system. Gallic acid (GA) was used as an antibacterial drug which was encapsulated into the beta-CD cavity, and finally, beta-CD inclusion complex (GA/beta CD-IC) was prepared. On the other hand, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized on the graphene oxide (GO) surface (GO-Ag), and the obtained GO-Ag was used to enhance the antibacterial properties and mechanical strength of their films. FT-IR and DSC analysis approved the formation of cross-linking with glutaraldehyde between the PVA and beta-CD. Hydrogel films were characterized using XRD and SEM. The disc diffusion method showed the antibacterial activity for the films containing GO-Ag and GA. Due to the good strength, elasticity, WVP, and swelling ability, PVA/GA/beta CD-IC/GO-Ag can be proposed as a potential antibacterial drug delivery system.