Construction of chitosan/Ag nanocomposite sponges and their properties

Chitosan/Ag nanocomposite sponges were prepared by soaking the chitosan hydrogels in AgNO₃ aqueous solution, which was heated at 80 °C to synthesize Ag nanoparticles (AgNPs) in the porous chitosan matrix and freeze-dried. The structure and properties of the nanocomposite sponges were characterized by FT-IR, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and compressive testing. In our findings, the pores of the chitosan hydrogel were used as a microreactor to synthesize AgNPs, which could distribute evenly on the chitosan matrix. The chitosan/Ag nanocomposite sponges exhibited good mechanical properties, suitable water vapor transmission and noncytotoxicity. Antibacterial test revealed their excellent antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and E. coli. The chitosan/Ag nanocomposite sponges would have great potential as wound dressings due to their good properties and facile industrialization.