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Published on: October 26, 2016
AgNPs-Cellulose Nanofiber/Polyacrylamide Hydrogels as an Antibacterial Platform for Soft Tissue
Ioana Maria Marinescu1, Andrada Serafim2, Elena Olaret2
1Advanced Polymer Materials Group, Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnologies, National University of Science and Technology POLITEHNICA Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania.
This study developed a novel hydrogel combining polyacrylamide with silver nanoparticles on cellulose nanofibers. These advanced wound dressings exhibit antibacterial properties and improved mechanical strength for better wound healing.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Materials Chemistry
Background:
- Antibiotic-resistant bacteria pose a significant challenge to modern wound care.
- Polyacrylamide (PAAm) hydrogels show promise but lack antibacterial properties and mechanical strength.
- Advanced wound dressings are needed for infection control and enhanced healing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a natural-synthetic hydrogel with enhanced antibacterial activity and mechanical properties for wound care.
- To combine polyacrylamide (PAAm) with TEMPO-oxidized cellulose nanofiber (TOCNF) functionalized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs).
- To investigate the morpho-structural, mechanical, and antibacterial properties of the resulting nanocomposite.
Main Methods:
- Synthesized PAAm/TOCNF-AgNPs (PTA) nanocomposites via polymerization.
- Utilized TOCNF as a reducing and stabilizing agent for AgNPs and a plasticizer for PAAm.
- Analyzed morpho-structure, swelling kinetics, mechanical properties, wettability, and antibacterial efficacy against pathogenic strains.
Main Results:
- TOCNF-AgNPs precursor showed two AgNP populations for sustained ion release.
- PTA nanocomposites exhibited tunable swelling and improved mechanical properties with increasing hybrid content.
- Formulations with higher AgNPs content demonstrated significant antibacterial activity against tested pathogens.
Conclusions:
- PAAm/TOCNF-AgNPs nanocomposites offer a promising solution for advanced wound care.
- The developed hydrogels possess mechanically adaptive characteristics and effective infection control.
- This natural-synthetic approach enhances hydrogel performance for promoting wound healing.
