Silver-reinforced cellulose hybrids with enhanced antibacterial activity: synthesis, characterization, and mechanism

Abstract

In this article, silver particle filled cellulose hybrids were successfully synthesized using a microcrystalline cellulose solution, AgNO₃, and AlCl₃·6H₂O using a hydrothermal method. Experimental results indicated the existence of silver nanoparticles in the cellulose matrix. The silver nanoparticles were well dispersed on the surface of cellulose and penetrated into the cellulose network. The microcrystalline cellulose solution played an important role in the synthesis of silver crystals. The reducing mechanism from Ag⁺ to silver was proposed in detail. Antibacterial experimental results showed that the as-prepared hybrids exhibited excellent antimicrobial activities against E. coli (Gram-negative) and S. aureus (Gram-positive). This green strategy for the synthesis of cellulose–silver hybrids may be useful for the extensive applications of inorganic–polymer hybrids.