Antibacterial carboxymethyl cellulose/Ag nanocomposite hydrogels cross-linked with layered double hydroxides

This paper deals with the preparation of antibacterial nanocomposite hydrogels through the combination of carboxy methyl cellulose (CMC), layered double hydroxides (LDH), and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). CMC-LDH hydrogels were prepared by intercalating CMC into different LDHs. Then, Ag/CMC-LDH nanocomposite hydrogels were prepared through in situ formation of AgNPs within the CMC-LDHs. XRD analysis confirmed the intercalating CMC into the LDH sheets and formation of intercalated structures, as well as formation of AgNPs within the CMC-LDHs. SEM and TEM micrographs indicated well distribution of AgNPs within the Ag/CMC-LDHs. The prepared hydrogels showed a pH sensitive swelling behavior. The Ag/CMC-LDH nanocomposite hydrogels have rather higher swelling in different aqueous solutions in comparison with CMC-LDHs. The antibacterial activity of CMC-LDHs increased considerably after formation of AgNPs and was stable for more than one month.