Silver Nanoparticle-Embedded Nanogels for Infection-Resistant Surfaces

The present study aims at fabricating carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)-functionalized silver nanogel (CMC-Ag nanogel)-immobilized cotton fabric for preventing chronic infections. Silver-embedded CMC nanogels were prepared by the reduction of silver nitrate in the presence of fructose and CMC as the reducing and stabilizing agents, respectively. Various parameters, such as CMC concentration, reduction time, and reduction temperature, having effects on the synthesis were optimized to obtain nanogels. The formation of CMC-Ag nanogels was monitored by ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis) spectroscopy, whereas the size and morphology were investigated by transmission electron microscopy and field emission scanning electron microscopy. An average particle size in the range of 5–10 nm was achieved. Subsequently, nanogel-coated cotton fabric was further investigated for antimicrobial activity against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacterial strains using zone of inhibition, colony count, and adhesion analyses. Almost complete (>99%) colony reduction was observed at a 300 ppm silver content. The nanogel-coated fabric also showed excellent antiadhesion behavior against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. This investigation suggested a promising approach to design antibacterial fabrics for various biomedical applications in the human healthcare sector.