Nanocomposites based on polypropylene with nanosilver particles and antibacterial behavior – a review

Abstract

This paper presents a study of polypropylene (PP) films modified by gamma irradiation with insertion of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and montmorillonite (MMT) aiming bactericide effect. The use of silver (Ag) gives important antibacterial property since silver is highly toxic for bacteria. The PP matrix was processed in a twin screw extruder and polypropylene nanocomposites (PPNC) were obtained in different concentrations of 0.25%; 0.5%; 1.0%; 2.0% and 4.0% in wt% and 1% of MMT. The material was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD), cytotoxicity assay and reduction colony-forming-unit (CFU). The analyzed films showed spherical clusters and homogeneous regions with good distribution of the silver nanoparticles. Furthermore, the PP@AgNPs films exhibited a strong antibacterial efficiency against S. aureus, E. coli and P. aeruginosa due to the presence of the biocidal silver nanoparticles.