Preparation and of PVA-based compositions with embedded silver, copper and zinc oxide nanoparticles and assessment of their antibacterial properties

A series of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) based liquid compositions with addition of zinc oxide, silver and copper nanoparticles has been prepared. The compositions also contained other consistency-forming organic components. The physico-chemical properties of the products have been determined. Their pH and density have been assessed. Also, the size of nanoparticles has been defined with using a dynamic light scattering technique. The compositions were subjected to XRD, FT-IR and microscopic analysis as well. Thanks to the incorporation of both metal oxide and metallic nanoparticles, it was possible to enrich the products with antibacterial properties. Their inhibiting properties in the growth of microorganisms have been confirmed against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive strains such as E. coli, S. aureus and P. aeruginosa. Thanks to the ability for solidification, the compositions may be applied on a bacterially contaminated surface, and after destroying the microorganisms and its solidification, it may be peeled off along with the dead bacterial film.[graphic not available: see fulltext]