Synthesis, physicochemical, and antimicrobial characteristics of novel poly(urethane-siloxane) network/silver ferrite nanocomposites

In situ polymerization was used to produce novel AgFeO2@PEG/polyurethane network nanocomposites (NP-PUs) with 30–60 wt% of soft poly(dimethylsiloxane) segments in polyurethane (PU), containing 1 PEG-coated AgFeO2 nanoparticles, AgFeO2@PEG. Physicochemical properties and vitro biological activity the NP-PUs were systematically evaluated terms AgFeO2@PEG (NP) addition segment content. High-angle annular dark-field transmission electron microscopy showed that nanoparticles generally uniformly distributed PU matrix. Increased content caused significantly increased intensity broad, amorphous X-ray diffraction peaks crystalline AgFeO2, probably because chemical composition affected distribution nanoparticles. The Young modulus, hardness, plasticity higher than for pure decreasing Decreased induced microphase separation, hydrophilicity swelling ability, but decreased cross-linking density. Additionally, had glass transition temperatures, improved thermal stability, enhanced nanomechanical performance over PU. demonstrated good selective inhibition Candida albicans parapsilosis (30–55%) no pronounced cytotoxicity MRC5 human lung fibroblasts. Among investigated AgFeO2@PEG/PUs, best antifungal shown by composites 30 40 segments. Consequently, could be further optimized as biocompatible surfaces also prevent formation fungal biofilms.