Abstract
The synthesis and specific surface functionalization of antimicrobial silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and their incorporation into an alginate hydrogel is described. Divalent cation-mediated ionic crosslinking was used to disperse the AgNPs throughout the gel, made possible by -COO
cross-linking sites provided by the surface-enhanced nanoparticles, inspired by the classic egg-box model crosslinking of calcium alginate. An AgNP concentration, 10-20 μg g
increased hygrogel elasticity, viscosity, and shear resistance by 45, 30, and 31% respectively. Cryo-TEM revealed evenly distributed AgNP assemblies of discrete AgNPs throughout the gel matrices. FTIR-ATR indicated AgNPs were involved in alginate carboxylate-Ca
-COO
AgNP crossbridging, which was not achieved through mixing of AgNPs into preformed gels. Live/dead fluorometric assays determined a minimal bactericidal concentration of 25 μg g
Ag for 6 microorganisms. Anti-biofilm assays showed species-dependent cell death of 44 -61%, with limited silver ion release of 0.41% and 1.1% after 7 days for Gram positive and negative bacteria, respectively.