Synthesis, Physical, Mechanical and Antibacterial Properties of Nanocomposites Based on Poly(vinyl alcohol)/Graphene Oxide–Silver Nanoparticles

Abstract

first_page settings Open AccessArticle Synthesis, Physical, Mechanical and Antibacterial Properties of Nanocomposites Based on Poly(vinyl alcohol)/Graphene Oxide–Silver Nanoparticles by Mónica Cobos 1, Iker De-La-Pinta 2, Guillermo Quindós 2 [OrcID] , María Jesús Fernández 1 and María Dolores Fernández 1,* [OrcID] 1 Department of Polymer Science and Technology, Faculty of Chemistry, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Paseo Manuel Lardizábal 3, 20018 San Sebastián, Spain 2 Department of Immunology, Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Barrio Sarriena s/n, 48940 Leioa, Spain * Author to whom correspondence should be addressed. Polymers 2020, 12(3), 723; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym12030723 Received: 4 March 2020 / Revised: 16 March 2020 / Accepted: 17 March 2020 / Published: 24 March 2020 (This article belongs to the Special Issue Metal- and Metal Hybrid-Filled Polymer Nanocomposites) Download PDF Browse Figures Cite This Paper Abstract The design of new materials with antimicrobial properties has emerged in response to the need for preventing and controlling the growth of pathogenic microorganisms without the use of antibiotics. In this study, partially reduced graphene oxide decorated with silver nanoparticles (GO–AgNPs) was incorporated as a reinforcing filler with antibacterial properties to poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) for preparation of poly(vinyl alcohol)/graphene oxide-silver nanoparticles nanocomposites (PVA/GO–AgNPs). AgNPs, spherical in shape and with an average size of 3.1 nm, were uniformly anchored on the partially reduced GO surface. PVA/GO–AgNPs nanocomposites showed exfoliated structures with improved thermal stability, tensile properties and water resistance compared to neat PVA. The glass transition and crystallization temperatures of the polymer matrix increased with the incorporation of the hybrid. The nanocomposites displayed antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli in a filler content- and time-dependent manner. S. aureus showed higher susceptibility to PVA/GO–AgNPs films than E. coli. Inhibitory activity was higher when bacterial cells were in contact with nanocomposite films than when in contact with leachates coming out of the films. GO–AgNPs based PVA nanocomposites could find application as wound dressings for wound healing and infection prevention.