Antimicrobial porous hybrids consisting of bacterial nanocellulose and silver nanoparticles

The increasing resistance of pathogens and bacteria is a serious problem in the medical treatment of wounds and injuries. Therefore, new therapeutic agents are not solely based on antibiotics, but also on the use of antimicrobial metal nanoparticles. In this paper we present an innovative method to prepare porous hybrids consisting of bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). The stepwise modification is based on fairly simple chemical reactions already described for two-dimensional cellulose films. We transferred this method to the three-dimensional, porous network of BNC leading to an antimicrobial activation of its surface. Compared to former approaches, the ultrafine network structure of BNC is less damaged by using mild chemicals. The amount and distribution of the AgNPs on the modified BNC was investigated using scanning electron microscopy. The AgNPs are firmly immobilized on the top and bottom surface of the BNC by chemical interactions. Their size and quantity increase with an increasing concentration of AgNO3 and extended reaction time in the AgNO3 solution. A strong antimicrobial activity of the BNC-AgNP hybrids against Escherichia coli was detected. Furthermore, agar diffusion tests confirmed that this activity is restricted to the modified dressing itself, avoiding a release of NPs into the wound. Therefore, the produced hybrids could be potentially suited as novel antimicrobial wound dressings.