Preparation of cellulosic Ag-nanocomposites using an ionic liquid

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Biotechnology
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Cellulose-based nanocomposites are valued for biodegradability, biocompatibility, and low toxicity.
• Neem plant extracts contain phenolic compounds with reducing properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To prepare and characterize cellulose-based silver nanocomposites (CRC/AgNPs) from Neem plant using ionic liquid.
• To evaluate the antibacterial, mechanical, and cytotoxic properties of the developed nanocomposite.

Main Methods:

• Ionic liquid (1-h-3-methylimidazolium hydrogen sulfate) used for cellulose extraction and in-situ silver nanoparticle (AgNPs) formation.
• Characterization via X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM).
• Assessment of antibacterial activity against S. aureus and E. coli, and cell viability on MC3T3-E1 cells.

Main Results:

• XRD, FTIR, and SEM confirmed the formation of CRC/AgNPs with particle sizes ranging from 26 to 56 nm.
• The CRC/AgNPs composite demonstrated significant antibacterial activity against S. aureus and E. coli.
• No significant toxicity was observed on MC3T3-E1 cells, and compression strength of polymers increased with CRC/AgNPs filler.

Conclusions:

• The study successfully synthesized a biodegradable and biocompatible cellulose-rich compound/silver nanoparticle (CRC/AgNPs) composite from Neem.
• The developed nanocomposite shows promising antibacterial efficacy and enhanced mechanical properties, with potential applications in biomedical fields.