Synthesis and characterization of antimicrobial polymer containing silver nanoparticles

ABSTRACT

Various types of polymers are currently used for making indirect restorations for rehabilitation of patient in dentistry. Most of these lack inherent antimicrobial property. The aim of this study was to develop and characterize antimicrobial polymer by impregnation with silver nanoparticle which besides serving its primary function also possess antimicrobial property. This study was conducted during MSc, Dental material programme, year 2010-11 in School of Engineering and Material Sciences, QueenMary, University of London, UK under supervision of Professor PankajVadgama. For this purpose polydimethylsiloxane[PDMS] based poly ether urethane[PEU] was selected to synthesize antimicrobial polymer. In methodology ultraviolet visible spectroscopy was used to detect size and shape and interaction of matrix with nanoparticles. Thermogravimetric analysis was employed to determine the thermal stability, degradation pattern, absorption of moisture and inorganic content .Contact angle measurements were carried out to determine the wettability and hydrophilicity of the material. X-ray diffraction was conducted to determine crystallinity, particle size and phase identification. The uv-vis spectroscopy results showed the presence of silver nanoparticles. Contact angle measurement of the composite material indicated that wettability of the material improved with the addition of silver. XRD analysis confirmed the presence of nanoparticles