Synthesis and biochemical characterization of silver nanoparticles grafted chitosan (Chi-Ag-NPs): in vitro studies on antioxidant and antibacterial applications

Metal-based nanoparticles with potential antioxidant and antimicrobial properties have led to their incorporation of biomaterials for human health care importance. The present investigation is to study on the silver nanoparticles grafted chitosan (Chi-Ag-NPs) composite materials due to their potential applications. Chi-Ag-NPs were synthesized by chemical reduction of silver nitrate salts and biodegradable chitosan. The obtained Chi-Ag-NPs were characterised for Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscope (SEM), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray powder diffraction, antioxidant and antibacterial properties. UV–visible spectra showed the configuration proficiency of Ag-NPs and chitosan. FTIR spectra indicated that the functional groups of chitosan have particular interactions with Ag-NPs. Particle size and TEM analyses showed that Chi-Ag-NPs were equivalently dispersed in matrix with an average size of 10–230 nm. The surface morphological structures of chitosan has played important role in influencing the adsorption of Ag-NPs. Chi-Ag-NPs were tested for their bioactive properties and results exhibited higher antioxidant and antibacterial activities by the addition of Ag-NPs. Chi-Ag-NPs composites were non-toxic to L929 fibroblast cells. The present investigation suggested that chitosan will be a good source for the preparation of bionanocomposite materials and also could be useful in different industrial and biomedical applications.