Gelatin-based dissolvable antibacterial films reinforced with metallic nanoparticles

Six different types of metallic and bimetallic nanoparticles (Au, Ag, Cu, AuAg, AuCu, and AgCu) were prepared using an aqueous extract of Artemisia scoparia (AS) as reducing and stabilizing agents and gelatin/metallic nanoparticle composite films were prepared. The nanoparticles (NPs) were characterized by UV-visible spectroscopy, TEM, XRD, zeta potential, and XPS. Silver and its bimetallic nanoparticles showed strong antimicrobial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Apparent surface color and light transmittance of gelatin film was greatly influenced by the reinforcement of the NPs. However, mechanical properties were not changed significantly (p > 0.05) when blended with the NPs. All of the gelatin/NPs composite films exhibited strong UV light screening function. The gelatin-based composite films with AgNPs, CuNPs, and their alloy showed strong antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogenic bacteria. Gelatin films incorporated with AuNPs, AgNPs, and AuAgNPs exhibited strong antioxidant activity. The multifunctional gelatin-based metallic nanocomposite films have a high potential for applications as biocompatible functional hydrogel films.