Abstract
Nigella sativa oil [NSO] was enriched with biosynthesized silver nanoparticles [NP] by simple, cost-effective, and less time-consuming "Green Chemistry" protocol. This combination [NSO/NP], on blending with PVA, produced transparent and foldable hydrogel film. The structure, morphology, hydrophilicity and thermal stability of hydrogel film confirmed the incorporation of inorganic NP in organic PVA matrix. FTIR spectrum of nanocomposite film revealed good interactions between PVA matrix, NP and NSO. SEM of PVA and NSO combination film exhibited lipidic NSO cloud-like phase (light grey) dispersed in PVA matrix (dark contrast), while in nanocomposite hydrogel film these lipidic clouds disappeared completely, and PVA matrix appeared donning a grey sheath. The nanocomposite film showed good folding endurance (> 300 folds) and antimicrobial behavior against Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923), Enterococcus faecalis (ATTC 29212), Escherichia coli (ATCC 26922), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853), Proteus mirabilis (ATCC 29906), Klebsiella pneumonia (MTCC109), Acinetobacter baumannii (NCTC 12156), and Candida albicans (ATCC90028) with prospective applications in antimicrobial packaging and wound dressings.