Novel strategies for the preparation of nano-silver pectin sponge composite and its antibacterial properties

Abstract Biodegradable sponges that can be used in the medical field are currently attracting a lot of attention, but the development of safe materials with high antimicrobial activity is still a major challenge. Doping with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) can effectively solve this problem. In this study, pectin sponges (PE-S) and nano-silver pectin sponges (PE-S/Ag) were synthesized in situ by freeze-drying method. The prepared sponge samples were characterized by various tools. UV-vis spectroscopy showed the in situ synthesis of AgNPs; FT-IR spectroscopy and XPS investigated the functional group changes in the sponge samples; SEM images confirmed the homogeneous distribution of AgNPs in the PE-S/Ag sponge. The physical and chemical properties of PE-S/Ag sponges were higher than PE-S sponges. The water absorption of PE-S/Ag and PE-S sponges was 2602.04% and 1562.20% respectively; the porosity was 83.36% and 66.61%, respectively. The results of the antibacterial test showed that the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of PE-S/Ag sponge was 42 and 83 µg/mL for Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, respectively. The results of the cytotoxicity and coagulation assays showed that the two sponge samples prepared were non-toxic to cells and had a good coagulation effect. Silver ion (Ag+) release studies showed the sustainability of Ag+ release from PE-S/Ag sponges. These preliminary data showed that PE-S/Ag sponges have excellent performance to meet the antimicrobial needs of a wide range of medical applications.