Nanocomposite film with green synthesized TiO<sub>2</sub> nanoparticles and hydrophobic polydimethylsiloxane polymer: synthesis, characterization, and antibacterial test
Naresh K. Sethy, Zeenat Arif, Pradeep Kumar Mishra, Pradeep Kumar
Abstract
Abstract The green synthesis of nanoparticles is of considerable interest because it is eco-friendly, cost-effective, biocompatible, and non-toxic. Split pulse extract was used as a reducing/capping agent for the synthesis of titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ) nanoparticles. Green synthesized nanoparticles were embedded in the polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) membrane by using a solution casting technique to develop a nanocomposite. This thin film was characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning probe microscopy, high-resolution scanning electron microscopy, ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, and contact angle analysis. The antibacterial property of the TiO 2 /PDMS nanocomposite was examined, and the results showed excellent antibacterial activity of TiO 2 /PDMS compared to PDMS without nanoparticles. The nanocomposite film exhibited antibacterial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria in the presence of TiO 2 nanoparticles in the polymer. Here, different weight percentages of TiO 2 nanoparticles, i.e. 0%, 7%, 10%, and 13%, were loaded on the PDMS surface to enhance its antibacterial activity. The green synthesis of TiO 2 nanoparticles embedded in PDMS and their suitability for antibacterial activity are reported for the first time.