In situ formation of silver nanoparticles in poly(methacrylic acid) hydrogel for antibacterial applications

In this study, silver nanoparticles-loaded poly(methacrylic acid) (PMAAc) hydrogels (HGs) have been produced by using a novel approach that involves equilibration of PMAAc HGs in aqueous solution of Ag(I) ions, followed by their reduction with borohydride. The AgNP/PMAAc composite, so produced, was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared, surface plasmon resonance, and differential scanning colorimetry analysis. The composite demonstrated pH-dependent swelling behavior. The AgNP/PMAAc composites demonstrated fair antibacterial action against Escherichia coli. Their biocidal action was found to depend on the concentration of silver present within the HG and degree of crosslinking of HGs. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2013. (c) 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers