Synthesis and characterization of antibacterial carboxymethyl cellulose/ZnO nanocomposite hydrogels

In this study, carboxymethyl cellulose/ZnO nanocomposite hydrogels have been synthesized through the in situ formation of ZnO nanoparticles within swollen carboxymethyl cellulose hydrogels. The formation of ZnO nanoparticles in the hydrogels was confirmed using X-ray diffraction, UV-vis spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) studies. SEM micrographs revealed the formation of ZnO nanoparticles with size range of 10-20 nm within the hydrogel matrix. The prepared nanocomposite hydrogels showed a pH and salt sensitive swelling behavior. The ZnO nanocomposite hydrogels have rather higher swelling in different aqueous solutions in comparison with neat hydrogel. The nanocomposite hydrogels demonstrated antibacterial effects against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. The developed carboxymethyl cellulose/ZnO nanocomposite hydrogels can be used effectively for biomedical application.