Biodegradable nanocomposites prepared from poly(butylene adipate terephthalate) and silver nanoparticles for applications as disposable medical equipments

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were prepared using polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as reducing and stabilizing agent. AgNPs were then embedded in a biodegradable poly(butylene adipate terephthalate) (PBAT) matrix by solution casting. The resulted PBAT/AgNPs nanocomposite films were characterized using various analytical techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), colorimeter, Ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), mechanical tests and water vapor permeability measurements. The composite films appeared smooth on surface with some agglomeration of AgNPs. The addition of AgNPs led to color changes, and strongly improved the thermal stability, UV barrier performance, mechanical properties and water vapor barrier performance of composite films. Importantly, PBAT/AgNPs films present outstanding antibacterial activity against gram-positive bacteria (Escherichia coli) and gram-negative bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus). Moreover, composite films exhibit good stability under accelerated aging conditions and during high-pressure sterilization. Therefore, biodegradable PBAT/AgNPs nanocomposite materials could present great potential for applications as disposable medical equipments.