Characterization and antibacterial properties of Ag NPs loaded nylon-6 nanocomposite prepared by one-step electrospinning process

• Published in: Colloids and surfaces. A, Physicochemical and engineering aspects Vol. 395; pp. 94 - 99
• Main Authors: Pant, Bishweshwar, Pant, Hem Raj, Pandeya, Dipendra Raj, Panthi, Gopal, Nam, Ki Taek, Hong, Seong Tshool, Kim, Cheol Sang, Kim, Hak Yong
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 05.02.2012
• Subjects: Ag NPs; Antibacterial; Electrospinning; Escherichia coli; Mats; Nanocomposites; Nanofibers; Nanomaterials; Nanostructure; Reduction; Silver; Staphylococcus aureus; Electrospinning; Ag NPs; Reduction; Antibacterial; Nanofibers
• ISSN: 0927-7757; 1873-4359
• DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfa.2011.12.011

[Display omitted] ► No need of pre or post electrospinning treatment for the reduction of AgNO 3 solution into Ag NPs. ► Electrospinning solvents is used as a reducing agent for the conversion of AgNO 3 into Ag NPs during the solution preparation. ► Ag NPs size could be controlled by regulating the standing time duration of electrospinning solution. A facile one-step approach to fabricate nylon-6 nanofibers decorated with silver nanoparticles by electrospinning has been reported. The method did not need post-treatments and could be carried out at ambient room condition. It employed the electrospinning solvents [formic acid and methoxy poly(ethylene glycol)] as a reducing agent for the conversion of AgNO 3 into Ag NPs during the solution preparation for electrospinning. The resultant Ag/nylon-6 hybrid nanofibers showed a smooth fibrous structure, with controlled size of Ag NPs uniformly dispersed throughout the nylon-6 matrix. The size of Ag NPs could be controlled by regulating the standing time duration of electrospinning solution. These hybrid nylon-6 composite nanofibers exhibited antibacterial activity against both Gram-negative Escherichia coli and Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus. Therefore, the obtained nylon-6 nanofibrous mats loaded with Ag NPs can be used in different areas such as wound dressing, water filters etc.