Synthesis, Characterization, and Antimicrobial Activity of Silver Nanoparticles on Poly(GMA-co-EGDMA) Polymer Support

Abstract

Poly(glycidyl methacrylate-co-ethylene glycol dimethacrylate) (poly(GMA-co-EGDMA) macroporous copolymer decorated with silver nanoparticles was prepared by a modification of poly(GMA-co-EGDMA) in the reaction with arginine, and consequent reduction of silver ions with amino groups. The mercury intrusion porosimetry, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, UV-vis reflection spectroscopy, and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission measurements were used to characterize obtained composite. The coordination of silver nanoparticles to the poly(GMA-co-EGDMA) copolymer was studied using infrared spectroscopy. Time dependence and concentration dependence of the antimicrobial efficiency of composite were tested against Gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli, Gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, and fungus Candida albicans. The composite ensured maximum reduction of both bacteria, while the fungi reduction reached satisfactory 96.8%. Preliminary antimicrobial efficiency measurements using laboratory flow setup indicated potential applicability of composite for wastewater treatment.