Simultaneous photo-induced cross-linking and silver nanoparticle formation in a PVP electrospun wound dressing

Poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) nanofiber mats were electrospun from a solution containing silver nitrate and 254 nm UV light was used to, simultaneously, photo-crosslink the polymer and promote silver nanoparticles (AgNP) formation. PVP cross-linking gives rise to a peak at 290 nm in the UV-Vis spectrum while the surface plasmon resonance of AgNP appeared at 420 nm. PVP-AgNP mats showed inhibitory effects on bacteria and fungi. This work shows that a PVP-AgNP wound dressing that ensures antimicrobial protection can be produced following a simple route.