Synthesis of Chitosan-Silver Nanocomposites and their Antibacterial Activity

Abstract

The present study explores the in situ fabrication of chitosan-silver nanocomposites in view of their increasing applications as antimicrobial packaging, wound dressing and antibacterial materials. Chitosan/Silver nanocomposites were prepared by embedding of silver nanoparticles in Chitosan polymer. Synthesis of nanocomposites was confirmed Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X- ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) etc. In addition, the formed nanocomposites have an average particle size of ~10-15 nm as observed by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). Their antibacterial activity was assessed by zone of inhibition method against Staphylococcus aureus MTCC 1809, Pseudomonas aeruginosa MTCC 424 and Salmonella entrica MTCC 1253 in vitro.