Novel-porous-Ag⁰ nanocomposite hydrogels via green process for advanced antibacterial applications

Silver nanoparticles (NPs) antibacterial characteristics were depends on its particle stabilization, particles size and nucleation agent. In this study, we report on green process of porous silver nanocomposite hydrogels for advanced antibacterial applications. The porous poly(acrylamide) (PAM) hydrogels were developed employing sucrose as porogenator. Silver NPs were nucleated with natural biomass Neem (Azadirachta indica) leaf extracts within the porous hydrogel networks. The formation of silver NPs in the porous hydrogels was confirmed by ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and thermo gravimetric analysis. Morphological studies done by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy showed that the hydrogels were porous in nature and stabilization of NPs, size, and particles shape. The porous PAM silver nanoparticle hydrogels demonstrated excellent antimicrobial activity with significant effect against Escherichia coli, Micrococcus, and Candida albicus. Hence, it was clear that the developed hydrogels can be used effectively for preventing and treating infections.