Abstract
Wide varieties of antibacterial medical materials coated with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are developed. However, studies about coating surgical are scare. Stable coated polypropylene (PP) surgical suture with spherical AgNPs (PP/Ag nanocomposite) was prepared using an optimized aqueous dipping method. Homogenous and linear distribution of AgNPs on the PP surface was verified by scanning electron microscope and atomic force microscopy combined to the bright field image. Quantitative analyses of the silver content were measured by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy and showed a grafting rate of 8 x 10(-4)%. Surface-enhanced Raman scattering investigations confirmed the grafting of AgNPs on the surface of surgical suture and highlighted the regioselective adsorption of polyvinylpyrrolidone on the AgNPs via the Ag-O interactions. Finally, PP/Ag nanocomposite has shown a good stability in biological medium (saline solution NaCl 0.9%) and prominent biocompatibility against human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Antibacterial performances of PP/Ag nanocomposite against gram-positive and gram-negative colonies of bacteria were also investigated.