Synthesis and characterization of silver/poly(N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone) hydrogel nanocomposite obtained by in situ radiolytic method

This work describes radiolytic synthesis of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) within the poly(N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone) (PVP) hydrogel. The hydrogel matrix was obtained by gamma irradiation-induced crosslinking, while the in situ reduction of Ag+ ions was performed using strong reducing species formed under water radiolysis. Absorption spectrum of the Ag/PVP nanocomposite confirmed the formation of Ag NPs, showing the surface plasmon band maxima at 405 nm. Ag/PVP nanocomposites were characterized by XRD and TEM analysis, accompanied with investigations of swelling and diffusion properties in the simulated body fluid at 37 °C, and mechanical properties in bioreactor conditions. It was shown that Ag/PVP nanocomposite exhibited higher values of equilibrium swelling degree, Young's modulus, and molar mass between crosslinks, while lower values of the diffusion coefficient and effective crosslink density were obtained, as compared to the pure PVP.

► γ-Irradiation is suitable for in situ generation of Ag NPs in PVP hydrogel matrix.
► Ag/PVP hydrogel nanocomposite has higher equilibrium swelling in SBF (at 37 °C).
► Kinetics parameters revealed that the fluid transport mechanism is non-Fickian.
► Incorporation of Ag NPs into PVP influences the network structure.