In situ alkali-free growth of octahedral Ag2O nanoparticles by bacterial cellulose for efficient antibacterial application

Uniform octahedral Ag2O nanoparticles were in situ synthesized within natural bacterial cellulose (BC) films without any inorganic alkali. The morphological transformation of Ag2O from nanoparticles and small nanoplates to an octahedral structure was well controlled by varying the UV exposure time. To reduce and anchor Ag2O nanoparticles, abundant hydroxyl groups on the surface of natural BC fibers ensured an ideal environment for the mild redox reaction between Ag+ and -OH groups. The structural features and structure-activity relationship of Ag2O/BC films were confirmed through TEM, energy dispersive spectroscopy assisted SEM analysis, Fourier transform IR, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, TGA and XRD. The structure-antibacterial activity relationship of the Ag2O/BC films was proved against both Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) bacteria. They also showed excellent performance in the photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes. Ag2O/BC films have potential bactericidal applications in the field of pharmacy, specifically for wound dressing and flexible wearable materials. (c) 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.