Gamma irradiation synthesis of Ag/PVA hydrogels and its antibacterial activity

In this study, gamma irradiation synthesis of silver/poly(vinyl alcohol) (Ag/PVA) hydrogels has been carried out by exposing the mixture of PVA and AgNO3 in double distilled water to gamma irradiation for 25 kGy dose. The formation of Ag nanoparticles in PVA matrix was confirmed by using UV-Visible (UV-Vis) Spectrophotometer and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The surface morphology of Ag/PVA hydrogels were studied using Atomic Force Microscope (AFM). The swelling properties of the Ag/PVA hydrogel were compared with the PVA hydrogel. Significant increase in the swelling percentage of Ag/PVA hydrogel was observed in comparison to PVA hydrogel. Antibacterial activity of Ag/PVA hydrogel was examined against Escherichia coli (E. coli), and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) bacteria. The study presented remarkable antibacterial activity and the toxic effect of Ag/PVA hydrogel against both bacteria.