Preparation and Antimicrobial Properties of Alginate and Serum Albumin/Glutaraldehyde Hydrogels Impregnated with Silver(I) Ions

Calcium alginate (CaALG) hydrogel beads and two sets of composite beads, formed from a combination calcium alginate/propylene glycol alginate/human serum albumin (CaALG/PGA/HSA) with the quaternary ammonium salt, (3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl)-octadecyldimethylammonium chloride (QA), (CaALG/QA), were prepared. Bovine (BSA) was condensed glutaraldehyde (GLA) to form BSA/GLA hydrogel. The corresponding Ag+-containing gels all above hydrogels also formed, slow leaching biocidal transition metal ion bestowed broad spectrum antimicrobial activity. In absence added Ag+, CaALG/QA only material deliver marginal moderate antibacterial antifungal effects. Ag+ impregnated systems have potential maintain properties silver, minimising risk toxicity, act as reservoirs afford ongoing sterility.