Gamma-rays synthesis, characterization, electrical conductivity, and antimicrobial activity of polyvinylpyrrolidone/chitosan/silver nanoparticles composite films

Diverse molecular weights of chitosan with wide range of Ag+ ions concentration are used to synthesize nanoparticles composite films using gamma irradiation from 60Co as the main source. Nanoparticles composite films are exploited in different two approaches; electrical conductivity and antimicrobial activity. The effects of Ag+ concentration, chitosan molecular weight and exposure irradiation dose are examined on behavior of electrical conductivity and antimicrobial activity of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The results showed that chitosan molecular weight, Ag+ concentration, and exposure irradiation dose have significant impact on electrical conductivity and antimicrobial activity.