Synthesis, characterization and antimicrobial study of poly (methyl methacrylate)/Ag nanocomposites

The main aim of this study is to investigate the effect of Ag loading on UV absorption and antimicrobial behavior of Poly (methyl methacrylate)/silver nanocomposites. In this research, silver nanoparticles were incorporated in Poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) via reduction method using dimethyl formamide as a solvent as well as reducing agent and Tween-80 as a stabilizer. The morphological study was carried out using FESEM and TEM. The presence of Ag nanoparticles confirmed through EDX spectroscopy. The study reveals that the particles are of spherical shape and are of nanometer size. The UV absorption spectra of silver nanocomposites were determined by UV absorption spectrophotometer. Red shift in absorption maxima was observed on increasing the concentration of Ag nanoparticles in polymer matrix. The antibacterial and antifungal activities of different concentration of silver nanoparticles in polymer composites were investigated against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Gram-negative), Staphylococcus aureus (Gram-positive) bacteriae and pathogenic fungus Cryptococcus neoformans by well diffusion method. Zone of inhibition method was used to assess the antimicrobial action of nanocomposites.