Preparation of a novel antibacterial chitosan-poly(ethylene glycol) cryogel/silver nanoparticles composites

Cryogel was synthesized through cryogelation of methacrylated carboxymethyl chitosan (mCMC) and poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) precursors by photopolymerization. Due to its excellent properties, such as fast swelling behavior, inter-connective porous structure, high water absorbing capacity, especially the presence of abundant carboxylmethyl groups on its backbone, the cryogel not only favored the absorption of silver ions but also was proved to be a good matrix for the incorporation of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) by in situ chemical reduction. The structure, morphology, and swelling behavior of the cryogel and cryogel/AgNPs composite were characterized. And the results of inhibition zone test and antibacterial inhibition ratio indicated the cryogel/AgNPs composite exhibited prominent and durable antibacterial activity against Gram-negative E. coli and could be utilized as potential antibacterial materials.