Antimicrobial Properties of Newly Developed Silver-Enriched Red Onion-Polymer Composites

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Plant-based polymer films offer sustainable, non-toxic alternatives for various industries.
• Incorporating silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) significantly enhances the antimicrobial properties of polymer films.
• Developing cost-effective and eco-friendly antimicrobial materials is crucial for medical and agricultural applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize novel polymer-based films (AgRonPVA) containing silver nanoparticles (AgNPs).
• To evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of these AgNP-infused films against a range of pathogenic microorganisms.
• To explore the potential of red onion peel extract as a sustainable source for antimicrobial film production.

Main Methods:

• Polymer-based gels and films (AgRonPVA) were produced using red onion peel extract, silver nitrate, and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) at room temperature.
• Silver nanoparticles were synthesized in situ within the polymer matrix via UV irradiation.
• Antimicrobial activity was assessed using a diffusion-based method against bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa), yeasts (Candida parapsilosis, Candida albicans), and fungi (Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus fumigatus).

Main Results:

• The successful synthesis of AgNPs within the polymer matrix was confirmed by UV-Vis, XRD, and EDX analyses.
• The AgRonPVA films demonstrated significant antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
• Antimicrobial efficacy was notably lower against fungal strains and weakest against yeast strains.

Conclusions:

• The developed AgRonPVA films, utilizing red onion extract and silver nanoparticles, exhibit potent antibacterial properties.
• These films represent a promising, eco-friendly material for antimicrobial applications, particularly in combating bacterial infections.
• Further research may optimize the formulation for enhanced efficacy against a broader spectrum of microorganisms, including fungi and yeasts.