Abstract

AgNPs appears to be a useful alternative to confer antibacterial properties to PVC by its physical inclusion in the polymer phase; however, AgNPs are materials with hemolytic properties and its direct addition for antimicrobial control of blood and hemoderivates is inadequate. The objective of this work was to develop nanostructured PVC and evaluate its application for the improving of bio-security during the storage of blood and hemoderivates. For that, different AgNPs were synthesized by chemical reduction using different stabilizing agents (N-methyl-D-glucamine, cysteamine and cysteine); in addition, poly(allyl chloride) (PACl) was synthesized by radical polymerization of allyl chloride. Later, PACl was functionalized using different polymer:AgNPs ratios in order to produce hybrid nanostructured PACl (PAClne). Composites of PVC and PAClne were obtained by dissolution-evaporation using ciclohexanone as solvent. Products were characterized by different techniques and antimicrobial and hemolytic properties were evaluated. Results suggest that AgNPs can be functionalized and capped with PACl for an adequate exchange of dispersion phases. Besides, for PVCne, viscosity and mechanical properties are not significantly affected respect to PVC (concentration of PAClne < 2.0 wt%). PVCne no showed hemolytic activity evidencing that can be used for applications with direct contact with blood. Antimicrobial properties against E. coli were limited suggesting a low migrability of AgNPs in the polymer phase.