Synthesis and Characterization of Chitosan/Sericin Composite Blend Membranes Containing Silver Nanoparticles for Effective Antibacterial Applications

Due to drug-resistant bacteria, antimicrobial composite materials that will replace antibiotics are among the current research topics. In this study, environmentally-friendly, low-cost, easy-to-synthesize chitosan/silk sericin/silver nanoparticles (Cht/SS/AgNPs) membranes were obtained for use in antibacterial applications. For material synthesis, firstly, AgNPs were obtained by mixing solution of 2 % sericin (at pH 11)-10 mM AgNO3 at 100 degrees C with hydrothermal method and AgNPs formation was confirmed by UV-Vis measurements. Then, sericin/AgNPs solution was added to chitosan solutions at different ratios and Cht/SS/AgNPs composites were obtained by solvent casting method. The final forms of the membranes were characterized by fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM)-energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Water retention capacities and mechanical properties of the membranes were also determined. Finally, antibacterial and biocompatibility properties were evaluated by disc diffusion test method on Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus and MTT on L929 fibroblast cell line, respectively. The obtained membranes had homogeneous appearance, high swelling ratios, good mechanical properties. The composites also showed excellent antibacterial activity, especially on S. aureus and good biocompatibility. In summary, Cht/SS/AgNPs composites can be used as an alternative polymeric antibacterial materials especially as the wound-dressing materials or functional packaging materials.