Effect of silver concentration on antibacterial properties of bacterialcellulose-silver nanoparticles biocomposite

Bacterial cellulose (BC) functionalized with silver nanoparticles is evaluated as an antimicrobialmembrane for wound healing. Synthesis of silver nanoparticles inside the three-dimensional porousnetwork of BC with silver salt solution and a reducing agent (sodium borohydride) has been achieved.Silver nanoparticles with monotonous size distribution and appropriate amounts were immobilizedon BC dressing and chemically bonded to cellulose fiber surfaces. In the process of synthesis of silvernanoparticles on cellulose fibers, Ag+ turns into Ag۰. The antibacterial activity of silver cellulosedressings showed a high performance in killing bacteria against gram-negative (Escherichia coli) andgram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) bacteria by disc diffusion methods. No significant silverrelease from Ag/BC was observed even after a long soaking time. Since the Ag/BC nanocompositeis completely wet, it helps in wound healing. According to the results, this dressing can be useful inthe treatment of infectious wound healing.