Synthesis of silver nanoparticles in PVP hydrogel matrix by electron beam irradiation

Aim and Silver nanoparticles have many applications in different industries. In original methods nanoparticles are synthesized by chemical methods. While, in this research we synthesized Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) within Poly (N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone) (PVP) hydrogel matrix by Electron beam irradiation
For hydrogel preparation, PVP (7% wt) was dissolved in distilled water and heated at 80◦C under stirring. Then 70,100 and 200 ppm amount of AgNO3 solution was added into solution. The samples were then irradiated with 33 kGy. Ag/PVP hydrogel was characterized using UV-Vis spectroscopy and transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Atomic force microscopy, swelling ratio, gel content and antibacterial activity test.
The Plasmon Absorption spectra of Ag/PVP nanocomposite confirmed the formation of AgNPs. The Atomic Force microscopy (AFM) analysis of Ag/PVP nanocomposite showed AgNPs in the range of 5-10 nm. FTIR spectrum indicated that, the coordination between N in PVP and silver was the main reaction. Ag/PVP nanocomposite and pure PVP exhibited the same values of swelling ratio and Gel fraction. Antimicrobial test indicated Ag/pvp hydrogel has antimicrobial properties.
In this research, it was shown the electron irradiation is a suitable technique for synthesis of AgNPs into hydrogel matrix and insitu synthesis of AgNPs simultaneously with sterilization, making this method very attractive for biomedical applications.