Nanocomposites based on polylactide and silver nanoparticles and their antimicrobial and antiviral applications

Novel antimicrobial and antiviral silver-containing nanocomposites (PLA Ag PEI) based on polylactide (PLA) have been created by the thermochemical reduction of Ag+ ions in the polymer films. Structure-properties relationships of nanocomposites were investigated using FTIR, WAXS, TEM, DSC, TGA. It was found that thermochemical reduction of Ag(+ )ions in presence of polyethyleneimine as a reducing agent and stabilizer occurred above 100 degrees C for 5 min. The optimal parameters of the Ag(+ )ions reduction process in the polymer films were determined, i.e. 160 degrees C for 5 min. The average size of Ag nanoparticles in the PLA-Ag-PEI was defined to be 6.7 nm. The nanocomposites have demonstrated strong antimicrobial activity against S. aureus and E. coli strains, as well as antiviral activity against herpes simplex virus type 1, influenza A virus and adenovirus serotype 2.