Biocidal properties of a silver/poly(carbonate urethane) nanocomposite by in situ reduction

With the aim at formulating new materials with biocidal activity a silver/polyurethane nanocomposite was prepared by in situ reduction of silver nitrate in a solution consisting of a commercial poly(carbonate urethane) dissolved in DMF, DMF acting as both polymer solvent and reducing agent. Bacteriological tests were performed with mesophilic, Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, in liquid media and on solid agar plates supplemented with nanocomposite film samples. The growth inhibition achieved proved that the material set up was an effective bactericide. Release tests against E. coil were also carried out showing that the silver/polyurethane achieved exerts its biocidal activity through slow release of silver nanoparticles. Two different mechanisms reported in literature were invoked to account for the biocidal action of the silver nanoparticles released.