Impregnation of the bacterial cellulose membrane with biologically produced silver nanoparticles

Different wound dressings with antibacterial property have been surveyed and one among them is bacterial cellulose (BC). Since the BC does not have antibacterial property, the biologically produced silver nanoparticles (SNPs) were impregnated into the BC. For the BC production, Hestrin-Schramm broth was used. Formation of the BC was proven by enzymatic hydrolysis. For SNPs production, the bacterial supernatant was treated with AgNO3 and formation of SNPs was monitored through spectrophotometer, TEM and XRD. For impregnation of SNPs into the BC, the cleaned membrane was placed in the bacterial supernatant that contained 1 mmol of AgNO3. The antibacterial assay was done for the BC/SNPs. Enzymatic hydrolysis proved the presence of the BC. Spectrophotometer and XRD results showed the formation of SNPs. TEM analysis revealed the presence of SNPs with sizes around 5-100 nm. SEM micrographs showed the impregnation of SNPs into the BC. Antibacterial test exhibited the antibacterial activity of the BC/SNPs.