Re-designing nano-silver technology exploiting one-pot hydroxyethyl cellulose-driven green synthesis.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Green Chemistry

Background:

• Optimizing nano-silver technologies is crucial for infection prevention and controlling microbial spread.
• Advancements in manufacturing can improve cost-effectiveness and scalability of nano-silver products for diverse applications.
• Existing methods for silver nanoparticle (AgNP) synthesis often require optimization for sustainability and efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a versatile, eco-friendly, one-pot process for synthesizing silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) at room temperature.
• To create a novel nano-hybrid material (AgHEC) with tunable properties by embedding AgNPs in a hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) hydrogel matrix.
• To investigate the synthesis kinetics and physicochemical properties of the AgHEC system and evaluate its antimicrobial activity.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of AgHEC via a one-pot reaction using a quaternary ammonium salt of HEC as a capping and reducing agent at room temperature.
• Characterization of AgNPs and the AgHEC matrix using techniques including DLS, FE-SEM, TEM, ELS, UV-VIS, XRD, viscosity measurements, and ICP-OES.
• Systematic variation of synthesis parameters to explore the design space and its impact on physicochemical properties and antimicrobial efficacy.
• Evaluation of antimicrobial activity in suspension and as a coating on nonwoven cellulose fabrics.

Main Results:

• A novel AgHEC nano-hybrid material was successfully synthesized using a green, room-temperature process.
• The AgHEC material exhibited tunable viscosity and physicochemical properties influenced by conversion grade and pH.
• Optimized AgHEC formulations demonstrated enhanced antimicrobial activity, particularly when applied as a coating on cellulose fabrics, attributed to smaller AgNP size and synergistic effects with HEC.

Conclusions:

• The developed one-pot, room-temperature synthesis offers a sustainable and versatile method for producing AgHEC nano-hybrids.
• The AgHEC material shows significant potential for antimicrobial applications, especially in fabric coatings, due to its improved efficacy.
• This research contributes to the advancement of cost-effective and scalable nano-silver technologies for infection control.