Novel conjugated Ag@PNIPAM nanocomposites for an effective antibacterial wound dressing

It is well known that nanosilver or silver ions could act as an effective antibacterial agent without the development of bacterial resistance but long term exposure may induce in vivo toxicity. Thus, specific care should be taken before relevant silver-containing materials are used as antibacterial agents. Recently biocompatible polymeric materials are widely used to reduce the toxic effects of nanomaterials, which could be utilized to fabricate antibacterial surface coatings with good biocompatibility. In this study we have developed a simple and green synthesis strategy to prepare Ag@PNIPAM nanocomposites with high purity and good bioactivity for promising bio-applications as highly effective antimicrobial agents. The relevant synthesis takes place in a clean environment without any chemical additives, which ensures ultrahigh active surfaces of the Ag clusters. The as-prepared Ag@PNIPAM nanocomposites exhibit highly effective antimicrobial activities against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and have a good therapeutic effect for burn wounds.