Fabrication of Pllulan/Silver Nanoparticle Composite Nanospheres Using Electrospray Technique for Antibacterial Applications

Pullulan (PULL)/silver (Ag) nanoparticle composite nanospheres were prepared out of aqueous solutions using electrospray technique by controlling the concentration of PULL solution. Since pullulan is a water soluble and interesting natural polymer for many of its merits and good properties, it is one of the best materials for preparation of antibacterial material. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), and antibacterial activity test were done to characterize the PULL/Ag composite nanospheres morphology and properties. XRD data and TEM images support the coexistence of Ag and PULL matrix where Ag nanoparticles were well dispersed. In preservation test, aforementioned composite nanospheres confirm an excellent antibacterial performance, elucidating for practical uses as a new preservative. Moreover, the addition of Ag nanoparticles enhances thermal stability of PULL/Ag composite nanospheres. Index Term-Electrospray, Pullulan, Silver nanoparticles, Nanospheres, Antibacterial performance.