PVA-Cellulose Fibers Composites Impregnated with Antimicrobial Particles: The Solvent Effect.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Biomaterials

Background:

• The demand for sustainable and bio-inspired materials is increasing for novel applications.
• Developing eco-friendly alternatives for packaging and medical uses is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and characterize novel eco-friendly composite materials.
• To explore their potential in packaging and medical applications.

Main Methods:

• Cellulose fibers (medical gauze/filter paper) coated with poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), plant-based silver particles (AgPs), and magnetite (MG).
• Characterization using UV-Vis, FTIR, EDX, DLS, TEM, and SEM to analyze particle properties and interactions.

Main Results:

• Successful synthesis and characterization of cellulose-based composites.
• Evidence of AgPs and MG presence, size, surface charge, and morphology within the PVA matrix.
• Demonstrated hydrophobic and antibacterial properties of the developed materials.

Conclusions:

• The developed composite materials show promise as sustainable alternatives.
• Their properties make them suitable for antifouling medical coatings and food packaging applications.