Development of
microbial resistant
Ag0-transdermal surgical cellulose scaffolds
via
environmental
friendly green
process Development of
PABs
3.1 Introduction
The fact that non-microbicidal wound scaffolds allow microorganisms to the site of
wound to exhibit undesirable effects on wounds and it is one of the main factors for disease
transmission. This factor has stimulated intensive research, for the development of antimicrobial
wound dressings and bandages, in the medical field. Therefore, it has become crucial to impart
antimicrobial activity to the wound dressing materials, in order to protect the user from
microorganisms against contamination [1].
In order to impart antimicrobial activity to the medical textile materials, a number of
chemicals have been employed. These chemicals include: inorganic salts, organometallics,
iodophors (substances that slowly release iodine), phenols, thiophenols, antibiotics, heterocyclics
with anionic groups, nitro compounds, ureas, formaldehyde derivatives and amines [2].
However, many of these chemicals are toxic and show undesirable effects in humans. The use of
antibiotics in these materials has also given rise to a wide scope for the development of multi-
drug resistance microbes, such as: meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and
vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE) [1]. But, all these problems can be avoided very
much by the use of metal or metal nano particles [3], which do not act via cell receptors and so
the chance of immune response in microbes to develop resistance is ruled out.
Many studies have indicated that silver is a useful prophylactic and therapeutic agent for
the prevention of wound colonization by organisms. Silver is also considered as a broad-
spectrum antimicrobial agent that controls yeast, mold and bacteria, including methicillin-
resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) [4,5]. The
acceleration of delayed wound healing and rapid diabetic wound healing [6,7] are the additional
characteristics of silver nano particles (AgNPs), as reported by Tian et al [6] and Mishra et al [7].
Hence, the use of silver as nano particles is always a better choice to curb the antimicrobial
growth.
Silver nano particles produced by chemical reducing agents are usually associated with
environmental toxicity or biological hazards. Consequently, the development of AgNPs based on
environmentally-friendly and biodegradable reagents is always preferred. From this perspective,
naturally occurring carbohydrate polymers, gum acacia (GA) (Gum Arabic) consisting mainly of
β-(1→3) galactose units in the backbone with branches of arabinose and rhamnose [8] and guar
gum (GG) consisting, mainly of (1→4)-β-D-mannopyranosyl backbone with branch-points from
the six-position linked to single α-D-galactopyranosyl residues [9], have been utilized for the
formation and stabilization of AgNPs [10-12]. These carbohydrate polymers are readily available
not only at low cost, but also in abundance in nature and have excellent emulsifying and surface-
active properties [13-15]. Therefore, these carbohydrate polymers are highly beneficial in
designing antimicrobial wound dressing materials.
Surgical cellulose roller gauge bandage is a specially designed functional clothing of
cellulose (a homopolymer of α-D-glucopyranose units linked together by (1→4)-glycosidic
bonds) [16], usually used as a secondary dressing layer over the primary wound dressing
materials. This bandage, amongst others, holds primarily wound dressing, supports injured
wound, absorbs blood and secretions exudates and provides pain relief. It serves as the outermost
protective dressing for wound, thereby preventing wound contamination from the outside
environment. Hence, imparting anti-microbial activity in surgical bandages is duly essential to
make them effective as adequate barriers against highly communicable bacteria and fungus. It
was also concluded from the review of Miller and co-workers that the patients who are treated
the treated wounds with silver containing dressing had a significantly quicker healing rate than
equivalent non-silver containing dressing [5].
In view of the above discussion the present investigation is an attempt to develop
microbial resistant transdermal wound dressing scaffolds from the cellulose roller gauze bandage
from natural carbohydrate polymers, gum acacia powder (GA), and gaur gum powder (GG). The
scaffolds (Poly-AgNPs bandages) that are developed, exhibited excellent antimicrobial activity
when tested against E. coli (gram negative bacteria), S.aureus (gram positive bacteria) and C.
Albicans (fungus). Hence, the scaffolds developed in this work from natural carbohydrate
polymers via an environmentally-friendly green process can be used as effective microbial
resistant transdermal scaffolds for wound care applications.
3.2 Experimental
3.2.1 Materials
Gum acacia powder (GA) and gaur gum powder (GG) and silver nitrate (AgNO3) were
purchased from S.D. Fine-Chem Ltd. (Mumbai, India) and used as received without further
purification. Surgical cellulose roller gauze bandage (dimension 50 mm x 100 mm) was provided
by the Government of Andhra Pradesh to the Primary Health Centre (S.K. University,
Anantapur, India), was used. Double distilled water was used throughout the experiments.
3.2.2 Fabrication of Poly-AgNPs Bandage (PAB)
To prepare PABs (Poly-Silver Nano Particles bandage), 100 mL of GA and GG solutions of
varying concentrations: 0.3%, 0.5% and 0.7% (w/v) were initially prepared by stirring respective
amounts of GA and GG, separately in double distilled water at 300 rpm in an orbital shaking
incubator at 27 oC for 24 h. Then, 5 mL of 0.588 mM of AgNO3 solution was introduced to each
of the stirring solutions and stirring was continued until a constant value in the intensity of
absorption corresponding to AgNPs in the UV-Visible spectrum, was observed. The swelling
method was carried out in order to introduce the AgNPs over the cellulose roller gauge bandage,
for which 10 strips of cellulose roller gauge bandage were immersed in each of the solutions and
stirred for 24 h at 27 oC, followed by sonication for 30 min. Finally, the Ag
0 (silver nano
particles) loaded cellulose bandages (PABs) were obtained. PABs obtained from the various
formulations of GA and GG were taken out dried and kept in desiccator prior to characterization.
3.2.3 Characterizations
UV-Visible spectra of silver nano particles were recorded with UV-Vis
spectrophotometer (Elico-SL 164, Hyderabad, India). Bonding interaction of AgNPs with
cellulose roller gauge bandage was established by performing Fourier transform infrared (FTIR)
measurement on Perkin Elmer (Model Impact 410, Wisconsin, MI, USA) spectrophotometer.
Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) (JEM-1200EX, JEOL, Tokyo, Japan) was carried out
by dispersing two to three drops of (1 mg/1 mL) poly-AgNPs solution on a 3mm copper grid.
Thermal properties were determined using the TGA data, using SDT Q 600 thermal analyzer
(TA Instruments-water LLC, Newcastle, DE, USA), at a heating rate of 20 oC/min by passing
nitrogen gas at a flow rate of 100 mL/min. Scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive
spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) analysis was performed using a JEOL JEM-7500F (Tokyo, Japan),
operated at an accelerating voltage of 3 kV. All (SEM-EDS) samples were gold coated, prior to
examination on the field emission scanning electron microscope.
3.2.4 Swelling ratio studies
Normally, the swelling ratio plays a significant role in biomedical applications,
particularly for antibacterial applications [17]. In the present investigation, the swelling ratios of
PABs were measured at ambient temperature by using gravimetric method. Initially, known
weights of dried PABs were immersed in 50 mL of double distilled water until their weight
becomes constant. The PABs were then removed and their surfaces were blotted with filter paper
and weighed.
The swelling ratio or swelling capacity, S(g/g) of the PABs developed, was calculated
using the equation:
Swelling ratio (Sg/g) = [Ws - Wd]/ Wd (1)
Where, Ws and Wd denote the weight of the swollen cellulose bandage at equilibrium and
the weight of the dry cellulose bandage, respectively. The data provided is an average value of
three individual sample readings. This data is presented in the form of figure in Fig.7 under
Results and Discussion section.
3.2.5 Antimicrobial activity studies
For testing antimicrobial activity of the developed PABs, E. coli (gram negative bacteria,
MTCC-1668), S.aureus (gram positive bacteria, MTCC-7443) and C. Albicans (fungus, MTCC-
7315) were chosen as model microbes over modified agar diffusion assay maintained at 37oC for
an incubation period of 24 h. The nutrient agar medium required was prepared by mixing
peptone (5.0 g), beef extract (3.0 g) and sodium chloride (5.0 g) in 1000 mL of distilled water
and the pH was adjusted to 7.0. Finally, agar (15.0 g) was added to the solution. Sterilization of
agar medium was done in a conical flask in an autoclave (MAC, MACRO scientific works Pvt.
LTD., Delhi) at a pressure of 6.8 kg (15 lbs) for 30 min. This medium was transferred into
sterilized petri dishes in a laminar air flow chamber (Microfilt Laminar Flow Ultra Clean Air
Unit, Mumbai, India). After solidification, 50µl of microbial culture was spread in the petri
dishes. Over the inoculated petri dishes, small pieces of PABs and polymer coated roller gauge
were distributed and incubated for 24 h in an incubation chamber at 37 oC. The inhibition zones
formed by the microbes were measured and photographed. The data of this investigation is given
under antibacterial properties of Results and discussion section.
3.3 Results and discussions
In the present investigation, microbial resistant scaffolds were developed by
impregnating the AgNPs synthesized from natural carbohydrate polymers (GA and GG) over the
cellulose bandage. The procedure involves two steps, as shown, schematically, in Scheme 1: (i)
Preparation of polymer Ago (silver nano particles) solution (poly-AgNPs solution) via a green
reduction process and (ii) Fabrication of polymer Ago-loaded cellulose bandage (PAB) via
swelling method. The loaded AgNPs were considered to bond over cellulose roller gauge
bandage by physical interactions with the surface hydroxyl groups of cellulose [16].
The materials (gum acacia, guar gum and cellulose fibre) used in the present investigation
to develop CSNCFs are naturally available.
Gum acacia (GA), a natural polysaccharide derived from exudates of Acacia senegal and
Acacia seyal trees. It is commonly used as food hydrocolloid. Chemically, it consists β-(1→3)
galactose units in the backbone with branches of arabinose and rhamnose [18].
Guar gum
(GG) is primarily the ground endosperm of guar beans which consists,
mainly (1→4)-β-D-mannopyranosyl backbone with branch-points from the six-position
Acacia seyal tree Gum Acacia
linked to single α-D-galactopyranosyl residues [19]. Guar gum is an effective
hypocholesterolemic agent and prevents hypercholesteromia and reduces body weight.
Cellulose fibre consists majorly cellulose, a homopolymer of α-D-glucopyranose units
linked together by (1→4)-glycosidic bonds [16]. Cellulose is the most abundant organic polymer
on the Earth and present in the primary cell wall of the plants. Cellulose fibres that are naturally
present in cotton consists 90 % of cellulose. These cellulose fibres are used in textile industries
and also to design wound dressing materials/scaffolds. The surgical cellulose roller gauge
bandage used in the present investigation is a specially designed functional clothing of cellulose,
processed under hygienic environment that satisfies medical standards.
Guar gum Guar beans
Cotton Cellulose
Scheme 1: Schematic diagram of preparation of Poly-AgNPs bandages (PABs): i)
Preparation of Polymer Ago solution (poly-AgNPs solution) via green process reduction; ii)
Fabrication of Polymer Ago-loaded cellulose bandage (PAB) via swelling method.
3.3.1 UV-Visible spectral analysis
The initial formation of silver nano particles in GA and GG solutions (polymer solutions)
was established by colour change (form colourless to ruby red) and was confirmed by observing
a broad intense absorbance band formation in the UV–Vis spectra between 430–450 nm, as
shown in Fig.1. This was due to the surface plasmon resonance excitation vibrations of the silver
nano particles [18, 19]. Absorption peaks for concentrations: 0.3%, 0.5% and 0.7% were
observed at 432, 435 and 436 nm for GA (Fig 1A) and at 434, 438 and 442 nm for GG (Fig 1B),
respectively. The formation of AgNPs in the GA/GG solutions was due to the reduction reaction
of the pendent hydroxyl groups present in GA and GG [20]. The AgNPs formed were stabilized
by the high molecular chains present in GA and GG [10]. From Fig.1, it is concluded that the
intensity of absorption peak increases with increasing concentration of the corresponding GA
and GG polymers. It is also evident that for the same concentration, GG-AgNPs solution showed
absorption maxima at higher wavelength (red shift) than GA-AgNPs solution. The red shift was
either due to an increase in size or aggregation of AgNPs [21]. The same can be confirmed by
TEM analysis, where the GG-AgNPs were identified to be larger in size than GA-AgNPs (Fig 2).
Fig
1:
UV
Absorption spectra of Poly-AgNPs solutions of varying concentrations: A) GA-AgNPs
solutions; B) GG-AgNPs solutions.
3.3.2 Transmission electron microscopic (TEM) analysis
The formation of AgNPs in polymer solutions (GA, GG) was confirmed from TEM
analysis. Further, it is also established by TEM analysis, as shown in Fig 2, that the GG-AgNPs
(Fig 2B) with larger size (5±3 nm) than GA-AgNPs (4±2 nm) (Fig 2A), were formed. The
absence of aggregation of the AgNPs in both solutions may be attributed due to the effective
passivation of the surfaces and the suppression of the growth of the nano particles through strong
interactions via the functional molecular groups of GG (-OH) and GA (-OH, -COOH). From
TEM, it is also clear that the overall AgNPs formed were spherical in shape with an average
particle size of in between 2 to 8nm. This is quite expected since GA and GG stabilize the
formed AgNPs by a well-established chemical interaction between the functional groups [22,10]
and silver nano particles.
Fig 2: TEM images of AgNPs formed in: A) 0.7% GA solution; B) 0.7% GG solution.
3.3.3 Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis
In order to examine the formation of AgNPs over poly-AgNPs-coated cellulose bandages
(PABs), the bonding characteristics through Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra was
studied. FTIR spectra of the pure cellulose bandage, GA and GG coated bandage and PABs are
shown in Fig. 3. The shifts in the functional groups positions in PABs confirm the interaction of
AgNPs and GA/GG and the cellulose ban
of pure cellulose bandage, the polymer
respectively.
In the FTIR spectrum of pure cellulose bandage, the following characteristic peaks are
observed:
A large band at 3390 cm
bonded -OH groups; a peak at 2921 cm
corresponding to the C–H bending mode,
assigned to the C–O–C stretching of the glucosidic units or from
[23,24]. In the FTIR spectra of polymer
cm-1
; GG: 3380, 2932, 1308, 1118, 1034 cm
1129,
peaks
bands of
bandages are
result, it can be inferred that poly
shown in Fig. 3. The shifts in the functional groups positions in PABs confirm the interaction of
AgNPs and GA/GG and the cellulose bandage. Fig. 3 (A) and Fig. 3(B) shows the FTIR spectra
of pure cellulose bandage, the polymer-coated bandage and poly-AgNPs-coated bandage (
In the FTIR spectrum of pure cellulose bandage, the following characteristic peaks are
A large band at 3390 cm-1
corresponding to the stretching vibration of the hydrogen
OH groups; a peak at 2921 cm-1
due to >CH2 groups; a peak around 1
H bending mode, and the characteristic peaks at 1150 and 1015 cm
C stretching of the glucosidic units or from β-(1 →4)-glucosidic bonds
the FTIR spectra of polymer-coated bandages (GA: 3359, 2920, 1306, 1108, 1035
; GG: 3380, 2932, 1308, 1118, 1034 cm-1
) and PABs (GA: 3358, 2932, 1318, 1129, 1027
cm-1
; GG: 3358, 2931, 1317,
shifted to lower values. A
result, it can be inferred that poly-AgNPs are present in the cellulose bandages.
shown in Fig. 3. The shifts in the functional groups positions in PABs confirm the interaction of
B) shows the FTIR spectra
coated bandage (PAB),
In the FTIR spectrum of pure cellulose bandage, the following characteristic peaks are
corresponding to the stretching vibration of the hydrogen
a peak around 1315.59 cm−1
,
and the characteristic peaks at 1150 and 1015 cm-1
are
glucosidic bonds
A: 3359, 2920, 1306, 1108, 1035
) and PABs (GA: 3358, 2932, 1318, 1129, 1027
; GG: 3358, 2931, 1317,
1037 cm-1
), the
of the
characteristic
cellulose
shifted to lower values. As a
Fig
cellulose
coated and
Ago-coated
bandages;
cellulose bandage, 0.7 % GG
coated bandages
3.3.4 Scanning electron microscopy
The presence of AgNPs was confirmed from SEM analysis, as shown in Fig 4.
surface morphology of pure cellulose bandage (Fig 4A(a) and Fig 4B(a)), GA
(Fig 4A(b)), GG-coated bandage (Fig 4B(b)), GA
are presented in Fig 4. The surface morphology of the polymer
bandages (Fig 4A(b) and Fig 4B(b)) reveals no AgNPs on the s
and GG PABs) (Fig 4A(c) and Fig 4B(c)) shows the existence of AgNPs
aggregations (indicated with arrows).
The EDS spectrum of the pure bandages
spectra of A)
bandage, 0.7 % GA
cellulose bandage, 0.7 % GG coated and 0.7 % GG
3.3.4 Scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive spectroscopic (SEM-EDS) analysis
The presence of AgNPs was confirmed from SEM analysis, as shown in Fig 4.
surface morphology of pure cellulose bandage (Fig 4A(a) and Fig 4B(a)), GA
coated bandage (Fig 4B(b)), GA-PABs (Fig 4A(c)) and GG-PABs (Fig 4B(c))
are presented in Fig 4. The surface morphology of the polymer-coated (both GA and GG
bandages (Fig 4A(b) and Fig 4B(b)) reveals no AgNPs on the surfaces, whereas PABs (both GA
and GG PABs) (Fig 4A(c) and Fig 4B(c)) shows the existence of AgNPs
aggregations (indicated with arrows). The EDS spectra shown in Fig 5, support the SEM data
pure bandages (Fig 5(a)) shows no characteristic peak of silver, while
3: FTIR
spectra of A)
bandage, 0.7 % GA-
0.7 % GA-
B)
coated and 0.7 % GG-Ago-
EDS) analysis
The presence of AgNPs was confirmed from SEM analysis, as shown in Fig 4. The
surface morphology of pure cellulose bandage (Fig 4A(a) and Fig 4B(a)), GA-coated bandage
PABs (Fig 4B(c))
coated (both GA and GG-coated)
urfaces, whereas PABs (both GA
and GG PABs) (Fig 4A(c) and Fig 4B(c)) shows the existence of AgNPs without any
support the SEM data.
s no characteristic peak of silver, while
the GA-PABs (Fig 5(b)) and GG
silver, confirming the existence of elemental silver nano particles, Ag
and GG-PABs (Fig 5(c)) clearly shows the characteristic peaks of
confirming the existence of elemental silver nano particles, Ago in PABs.
clearly shows the characteristic peaks of
Fig
5:EDS
spectrum
of (a)
cellulose
bandage(b) 0.7 GA-PABs (c) 0.7 GG
3.3.5 Thermal (TGA) analysis
Thermal properties remained as a supporting evidence for the presence of AgNPs in the
PABs. The thermal properties of PABs were examined with reference to pure cellulose ba
by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The primary thermograms are GA
GG-PABs (Fig 6B) are shown in Fig 6. The results indicated that, in all the samples, there is an
initial weight loss at a temperature below 100
present on the surface. The maximum decomposition of all the PABs was occurred at a slightly
higher temperature, around 399.72
studies lead to the conclusion that with i
PABs the stability of PABs also increased. This might be due to the rise in the number of nano
particles on the surface of the PABs, which is due to the development of strong bonding
interactions between AgNPs and the cellulose surface of PABs [13]. This reason might be quite
expected as the TGA residue at 600
GG concentrations (due to the increased deposition of AgNPs on PABs). Overall, the therma
analysis indicates that the developed and designed PABs were thermally stable due to more
percentage of AgNPs.
Fig
PABs (c) 0.7 GG-PABs
Thermal properties remained as a supporting evidence for the presence of AgNPs in the
PABs. The thermal properties of PABs were examined with reference to pure cellulose ba
by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The primary thermograms are GA-PABs (Fig 6A) and
PABs (Fig 6B) are shown in Fig 6. The results indicated that, in all the samples, there is an
initial weight loss at a temperature below 100 oC, due to the loss of moisture (water molecules)
present on the surface. The maximum decomposition of all the PABs was occurred at a slightly
higher temperature, around 399.72 oC, when compared to that of pure bandage. The thermal
studies lead to the conclusion that with increase of GA/GG percentage (%) in the corresponding
PABs the stability of PABs also increased. This might be due to the rise in the number of nano
particles on the surface of the PABs, which is due to the development of strong bonding
AgNPs and the cellulose surface of PABs [13]. This reason might be quite
expected as the TGA residue at 600 o
C also increased proportionately with increase in GA and
GG concentrations (due to the increased deposition of AgNPs on PABs). Overall, the therma
analysis indicates that the developed and designed PABs were thermally stable due to more
Thermal properties remained as a supporting evidence for the presence of AgNPs in the
PABs. The thermal properties of PABs were examined with reference to pure cellulose bandage
PABs (Fig 6A) and
PABs (Fig 6B) are shown in Fig 6. The results indicated that, in all the samples, there is an
of moisture (water molecules)
present on the surface. The maximum decomposition of all the PABs was occurred at a slightly
C, when compared to that of pure bandage. The thermal
ncrease of GA/GG percentage (%) in the corresponding
PABs the stability of PABs also increased. This might be due to the rise in the number of nano
particles on the surface of the PABs, which is due to the development of strong bonding
AgNPs and the cellulose surface of PABs [13]. This reason might be quite
C also increased proportionately with increase in GA and
GG concentrations (due to the increased deposition of AgNPs on PABs). Overall, the thermal
analysis indicates that the developed and designed PABs were thermally stable due to more
6: Thermo-
gravimetric analysis of: A) GA
3.3.6 Swelling studies
The swelling ratio is a significant parameter that i
developed bandage for blood and secretion exudates from injured wounds. The swelling
behaviours of pure cellulose bandage (C), polymer
PABs of GA (Fig 7A) and GG (Fig 7B) are show
influenced by the concentration of GA/GG in the polymer. With an increase in the polymer
concentration, increased swelling ratio values were observed. This is due to the hydrophilic
nature of GA and GG. The overall swelling studies shows that the swelling ratios of polymer
coated bandages were greater than the PABs and pure bandage. This lowering in the swelling
ratio of PABs can be attributed due to the interaction of poly
and other groups present in polymer
cross-links with in the bandage networks. Consequently, the increase in swelling phenomenon of
polymer coated bandages over pure cellulose bandage can play significa
applications, particularly in antimicrobial applications. Based on this characteristic, many
researchers have prepared different types of material for antibacterial applications [25
Fig 7: Swelling ratio of A) cellulose bandage a
bandages (brown); B) cellulose bandage and GG
bandages (brown).
3.3.7 Antimicrobial properties
gravimetric analysis of: A) GA-PABs; B) GG-PABs
The swelling ratio is a significant parameter that indicates the absorption capacity of the
developed bandage for blood and secretion exudates from injured wounds. The swelling
behaviours of pure cellulose bandage (C), polymer-coated bandages (GA/GG bandages) and
PABs of GA (Fig 7A) and GG (Fig 7B) are shown in Fig 7. The values of the swelling ratio were
fluenced by the concentration of GA/GG in the polymer. With an increase in the polymer
concentration, increased swelling ratio values were observed. This is due to the hydrophilic
overall swelling studies shows that the swelling ratios of polymer
coated bandages were greater than the PABs and pure bandage. This lowering in the swelling
ratio of PABs can be attributed due to the interaction of poly-AgNPs with electrons of hydroxyl
d other groups present in polymer-cellulose bandage matrices, thereby producing additional
links with in the bandage networks. Consequently, the increase in swelling phenomenon of
polymer coated bandages over pure cellulose bandage can play significant role in biomedical
applications, particularly in antimicrobial applications. Based on this characteristic, many
researchers have prepared different types of material for antibacterial applications [25
Swelling ratio of A) cellulose bandage and GA-coated bandage (black), GA
bandages (brown); B) cellulose bandage and GG-coated bandage (black), GA
ndicates the absorption capacity of the
developed bandage for blood and secretion exudates from injured wounds. The swelling
coated bandages (GA/GG bandages) and
n in Fig 7. The values of the swelling ratio were
fluenced by the concentration of GA/GG in the polymer. With an increase in the polymer
concentration, increased swelling ratio values were observed. This is due to the hydrophilic
overall swelling studies shows that the swelling ratios of polymer-
coated bandages were greater than the PABs and pure bandage. This lowering in the swelling
AgNPs with electrons of hydroxyl
cellulose bandage matrices, thereby producing additional
links with in the bandage networks. Consequently, the increase in swelling phenomenon of
nt role in biomedical
applications, particularly in antimicrobial applications. Based on this characteristic, many
researchers have prepared different types of material for antibacterial applications [25-28].
coated bandage (black), GA-PABs
coated bandage (black), GA-PABs
The efficiency of the developed PABs as microbial resistant transdermal materials was
determined by conducting the antimicrobial activity against E. coli (Fig 8(A1, B1)), S.aureus
(Fig 8(A2, B2)) and C. Albicans (Fig 8(A3, B3)). The results revealed a strong reduction in the
number of microbial colonies around the samples. The inhibition zone for all the PABs shown as
in Fig.8 was found to be higher than 2.0 mm. According to the Standard Antibacterial test “SNV
195920–1992”, specimens showing more than 1 mm microbial zone inhibition can be considered
as good antibacterial agents [29]. Hence, the PABs that are developed in the present
investigation by a different approach can be considered as good antibacterial agents that are (and
should) effective in killing the microbes. It is noticed that with increasing concentration of
GA/GG in the PABs, the antimicrobial activity also increased. This is due to the formation of
more number of AgNPs on the PABs with increase in concentration of GA/GG. It is also noticed
that for the same concentration, GG-PABs showed higher inhibition zone than the GA-PABs.
This is quite expected due to more number of AgNPs are accumulated on the surface of GG-
PABs than on the GA-PABs (this is evident from TGA and SEM-EDS data). This conclusion is
supported by the exceptional high inhibition zone attained, as shown in Table 1.
Fig
8:
Antibacterial activity of: A) (o) Pure cellulose bandage, (a) 0.3 GA-PAB, (b) 0.5 GA-PAB,
(c) 0.7 GA-PAB and B) (o) Pure cellulose bandage, (a) 0.3 GG-PAB, (b) 0.5 GG-PAB, (c)
0.7 GG-PAB against E. coli (A1, B1), S.aureus (A2, B2) and C. Albicans (A3, B3).
Microbial culture Inhibition zone of GA-PABs (mm) Inhibition zone of GG-PABs (mm)
0.3 GA-
PAB
0.5 GA-
PAB
0.7 GA-
PAB
0.3 GG-
PAB
0.5 GG-
PAB
0.7 GG-
PAB
E. coli 4.5 4.8 5 4.5 5.2 5.8
S. aureus 3.2 3.5 4 4.2 4.4 5
C. Albicans 3 3.2 4 3.2 4.1 4.8
Table 1: Inhibition zone exhibited by various PABs
Mechanism proposed for the antibacterial activity
The mechanism of growth inhibitory effect of AgNPs against the microorganisms is not
clear [30]. However, among the various possible mechanisms proposed by many authors [30],
‘Inhibition by formation of pits,’ was the mechanism assumed here. The initial contact of PABs
with the microbes allows AgNPs to interact with the cell wall of the microbe membrane to form
pits. These pits cause the leakage of lipopolysaccharide molecules and membrane proteins of
bacteria/fungus, leading to microbial death [31,32]. The same can be concluded from Table 1,
where the inhibition zone observed for E.coli (containing thin peptidoglycan cell wall layer) is
more than that of S.aureus (thick peptidoglycan layer) [33]. This mechanism was further
supported by the studies of Singh et al, which postulated that nano particles formed in the 1-10
nm range, attach to the surface of the cell membrane and drastically disturb its proper function
by forming pits [34]. The AgNPs formed in the current approach is also in between 2-8 nm
range, which supports strongly the proposed mechanism.
3.4 Conclusion
Silver nano particles were developed from natural carbohydrate polymers: Gum acacia
(GA) and Gaur gum (GG). The silver nano particles developed, when coated as poly-AgNPs on
cellulose roller gauge bandage, exhibited excellent antimicrobial activity against E. coli (gram
negative), S.aureus (gram positive) and C. Albicans (fungus). Unlike the use of conventional
reducing agents for the synthesis of AgNPs, which causes environmental toxicity, the use of
naturally occurring polymers as reducing and stabilizing agents is highly advantageous, based on
the environmental concern. Hence, the scaffolds developed by this environmentally-friendly
green process can be used, effectively as microbial resistant transdermal scaffolds in biomedical
applications.
The work presented in this investigation is an important contribution in the field of
development of antibacterial surgical cellulose roller gauge bandage using green process
for biomedical applications.
The work developed in the present studies has been applied for a Patent and it has
crossed all the preliminary stages and is in the final review process and hoping for final
approval.
3.5 References
1. T. Ristic, L. Z. Zemljic, M. Novak, M. K. Kuncic, S. Sonjak, N. G. Cimerman and S.
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