Abstract

The objective of this work was to synthesize nanocomposites based on poly(N-vinylbenzyl-N-methyl-d-glucamine) and metallic nanoparticles, NP(VB-NMDG), from N-vinylbenzyl-N-methyl-d-glucamine (VbNMDG) and a polymerizable nanostructured crosslinker (PNC). PNC was synthesized from silver nanoparticles stabilized with acrylic acid and added to polymer phase during free-radical polymerization of VbNMDG. The boron retention properties of NP(VB-NMDG) were evaluated in function of pH and ionic strength. In addition, antimicrobial properties were evaluated against E. coli and S. aureus. Results evidenced that PNC can be synthesized by chemical reduction from Ag+, BH4- and acrylic acid as stabilizing agent. In addition, PNC can be added during the polymerization reaction to obtain NP(VB-NMDG). Effect of pH on boron retention of nanostructured polymer was significant only at low ionic strength (the order seen was pH 5.0>7.0>9.0). The ionic strength was identified to strongly decrease the boron retention by NP(VB-NMDG). Finally, NP(VB-NMDG) showed antimicrobial activity enhanced by incorporation of AgNPs.