Bacterial Cellulose Membranes Functionalized with In Situ Green-Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles for Antibacterial...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Bacterial cellulose (BC) is a biocompatible material with potential for biomedical applications.
• Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) possess potent antibacterial properties.
• Developing green synthesis methods for AgNPs integrated into BC is crucial for sustainable antibacterial materials.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the influence of synthesis conditions and BC functionalization on AgNP properties and antibacterial performance.
• To compare immersion and in situ synthesis methods for AgNP-BC membranes.
• To evaluate the antibacterial efficacy of the developed membranes against E. coli.

Main Methods:

• Green synthesis of AgNPs using mint and avocado-seed extracts.
• Characterization of AgNPs using UV-Vis spectroscopy and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM).
• Functionalization of BC membranes via AgNP immersion and in situ synthesis.
• Antibacterial assays to determine bactericidal activity and inhibition halos.

Main Results:

• Optimized synthesis conditions (pH 7, 23 °C) yielded stable AgNPs with distinct colloidal properties based on the extract.
• In situ synthesis within BC membranes resulted in stronger localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) peaks.
• In situ BC-AgNP membranes exhibited enhanced antibacterial activity against E. coli, with avocado-derived AgNPs showing larger inhibition zones.

Conclusions:

• In situ green synthesis of AgNPs within BC membranes is an effective strategy for creating robust antibacterial materials.
• The developed BC-AgNP membranes offer a sustainable and potent solution for combating bacterial infections.
• Functionalization method significantly impacts the antibacterial performance of AgNP-loaded BC.