| Abstract: | Silver nanoparticles were produced inside a poly(N‐vinyl‐2‐pyrrolidone) hydrogel (PVP) by an innovative method based on the electrochemical reduction of Ag+ ions within the swollen PVP hydrogel. UV‐visible spectroscopy showed the highest value of the absorbance intensity and the lowest values of the wavelength of the absorbance maximum and the full width at the half‐maximum absorbance for the Ag/PVP nanocomposite obtained at 200 V during 4 min. Cyclic voltammetry results suggested an adequate entrapment of the silver nanoparticles. The mechanical properties under bioreactor conditions of the Ag/PVP nanocomposite suggested the possibility of wound dressing application. Silver release from Ag/PVP nanocomposites was confirmed under static conditions as well as by their antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus. POLYM. COMPOS., 35:217–226, 2014. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers |
