Aim and Background:Silver nanoparticles have many applications in different industries. In original methods nanoparticles are synthesized by chemical methods. While, in this research we synthesized Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) within Poly (N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone) (PVP) hydrogel matrix by Electron beam irradiation

Materials and Methods:For hydrogel preparation, PVP (7% wt) was dissolved in distilled water and heated at 80^◦C under stirring. Then 70,100 and 200 ppm amount of AgNO₃ solution was added into solution. The samples were then irradiated with 33 kGy. Ag/PVP hydrogel was characterized using UV-Vis spectroscopy and transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Atomic force microscopy, swelling ratio, gel content and antibacterial activity test.

Results:The Plasmon Absorption spectra of Ag/PVP nanocomposite confirmed the formation of AgNPs. The Atomic Force microscopy (AFM) analysis of Ag/PVP nanocomposite showed AgNPs in the range of 5-10 nm. FTIR spectrum indicated that, the coordination between N in PVP and silver was the main reaction. Ag/PVP nanocomposite and pure PVP exhibited the same values of swelling ratio and Gel fraction. Antimicrobial test indicated Ag/pvp hydrogel has antimicrobial properties.

Conclusion:In this research, it was shown the electron irradiation is a suitable technique for synthesis of AgNPs into hydrogel matrix and insitu synthesis of AgNPs simultaneously with sterilization, making this method very attractive for biomedical applications.