Journal of Nanomaterials
Volume 2015 (2015), Article ID 943821, 6 pages
http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2015/943821

Research Article

Green Synthesis, Characterization, and Antibacterial Activity of Silver/Polystyrene Nanocomposite

Manal A. Awad,¹ W. K. Mekhamer,² Nada M. Merghani,³ Awatif A. Hendi,⁴ Khalid M. O. Ortashi,⁵ Fatimah Al-Abbas,² and Nada E. Eisa⁶

¹King Abdullah Institute for Nanotechnology, King Saud University, Riyadh 11321, Saudi Arabia
²Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11321, Saudi Arabia
³Central Lab, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11321, Saudi Arabia
⁴Physics Department, Faculty of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11321, Saudi Arabia
⁵Department of Chemical Engineering, King Saud University, Riyadh 11421, Saudi Arabia
⁶Department of Physics, University of Dammam, P.O. Box 1982, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia

Received 18 April 2015; Revised 3 June 2015; Accepted 22 July 2015

Academic Editor: Bin Li

Copyright © 2015 Manal A. Awad et al. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Abstract.

A novel, nontoxic, simple, cost-effective and ecofriendly technique was used to synthesize green silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). The AgNPs were synthesized using orange peel extract as a reducing agent for silver nitrate salt (AgNO₃). The particle size distribution of AgNPs was determined by Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS). The average size of silver nanoparticles was 98.43 nm. The stable dispersion of silver nanoparticles was added slowly to polystyrene solution in toluene maintaining the temperature at 70°C. The AgNPs/polystyrene (PS) nanocomposite solution was cast in a petri dish. The silver nanoparticles encapsulated within polymer chains were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) equipped with Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) in addition to Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). The green AgNPs/PS nanocomposite film exhibited antimicrobial activity against Gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Salmonella, and Gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus. Thus, the key findings of the work include the use of a safe and simple AgNPs/PS nanocomposite which had a marked antibacterial activity which has a potential application in food packaging.

1. Introduction

The nanomaterials can be synthesized by different methods including chemical, physical, and biological methods. The development of new chemical or physical methods has resulted in environmental contamination, since the chemical procedures involved in the synthesis of nanomaterials generate a large amount of hazardous byproducts [1]. Thus, there is a need for “green nanotechnology” that includes a clean, safe, ecofriendly, and nontoxic method of nanoparticle synthesis, without the use of high pressure, energy, temperature, and toxic chemicals [2]. The biological methods include synthesis of nanomaterials from the extracts of plant, bacterial, fungal species, and so forth [3].

Nanoparticles of silver have been found to exhibit interesting antibacterial activity [4], and the investigation of this phenomenon has gained importance due to the increase of bacterial resistance to antibiotics, caused by their overuse. Recently, materials have been developed (mainly textiles) containing silver nanoparticles, which exhibit very interesting antimicrobial activity. Antibacterial activity of the plastic-containing silver can be used, for example, in medicines to reduce infections as well as preventing bacteria colonization on plastic devices such as prostheses, catheters, vascular grafts, and dental materials [5]. Under ideal temperature and humidity conditions, plastics can be a good medium for the generation and the propagation of microorganisms which can cause irritations and infections. For these reasons, the polymeric materials must be protected against microorganisms in order to suppress their growth and dissemination. Owing to the high antimicrobial activity, relatively low cost, and easy production in a polymer-embedded form, nanoscopic silver could be a very adequate filler for such a purpose [6].

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been reported to form composites with polymers such as polyvinyl alcohol, polypyrrole, polyvinylidene fluoride, chitosan, and cellulose. The formation of polymer-silver nanocomposites requires that the size of nanoparticles in the polymer matrix be controllable and that their distribution within the polymer matrix be uniform [7]. Many previous attempts to form polymer-silver nanocomposites have involved mixing of a nanoparticle solution into the polymerization mixture. These polymer-silver nanocomposites can be used in a wide range of biomedical products, such as surgical gloves, antibacterial cloths and towels, and anti-infectious urinary catheters [8]; also they can be incorporated into aseptic coverings for plastic surgery, traumatic wounds, leg ulcers, skin grafts, incisions, and abrasions. Further, they can be used in numerous household applications such as textiles disinfection in water treatment, food storage containers, and home appliances and in medical devices [9].

The idea of the present study was green synthesis of AgNPs by chemical reduction of silver nitrate using orange peel extract as a reducing agent, and the preparation of AgNPs/polystyrene nanocomposite film. In addition, to study the antimicrobial potential of a silver-polystyrene nanocomposite system. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study describing the preparation of silver nanoparticles using orange peel extract from toluene and their composite with polystyrene polymer.

2. Experimental

2.1. Chemicals Materials

For green synthesis of silver nanoparticles and silver/polystyrene nanocomposite, the reagents used were of analytical grade and were used as received without further purification. Silver nitrate (AgNO₃) was from Techno Pharmchem, India. Polystyrene was supplied by the Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC) (Saudi Arabia). The brand name for polystyrene is PS 125, with molecular weight, 259000 g/mole. Toluene, C₆H₅CH₃, molecular weight (92.14 g/mol), with 99.5% purity provided by (BDH Co).

2.2. Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles

200 mg of orange peel was crushed to which 20 mL of toluene was added with vigorous stirring for 10 minutes at 60°C to prepare the extract of orange peel. The extract then was centrifuged for 5 minutes at 7000 rpm at room temperature. Then, 1 mmole/mL silver nitrate was dissolved in 20 mL of toluene with vigorous stirring at 70°C for 5 minutes. Thereafter 5 mL of orange peel extract was added to the solution of silver nitrate, the color changed to brown which indicated reduction of Ag ions and the formation of silver nanoparticles.

2.3. Synthesis of Green AgNPs/PS Nanocomposite Film

Various methods are employed to prepare antimicrobial AgNPs/PS nanocomposite [10]. In our study, solution method was used to prepare antimicrobial AgNPs/PS films. 2 g of Polystyrene (PS) was added to the silver nanoparticles that were dispersed in toluene and synthesized as described in the previous section. The solution was stirred under vigorous stirring at 60°C until PS completely dissolved. Then, the solution was cast in a glass plate and the toluene was allowed to evaporate at room temperature, to produce the nanocomposite film. The film was then removed from the glass plate after 24 hours.

2.4. Antimicrobial Study

The antibacterial activity of AgNPs/PS nanocomposite was evaluated against Gram-negative bacteria, Escherichia coli (E. coli), Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Salmonella and Gram-positive, Staphylococcus aureus, by disc diffusion method. Nutrient agar medium plates were prepared, sterilized, and solidified. After solidification, bacterial cultures were swabbed on these plates. Then, 0.5 × 0.5 cm from pure PS, 1% AgNPs-PS nanocomposite film, and 1 mmole/mL silver nanoparticles solution were placed in the nutrient agar plate and kept for incubation at 37°C for 24 hours. Zones of inhibition were measured. The experiments were repeated 3 times for each sample and mean values of zone diameter were determined [10].

2.5. Characterization of AgNPs-PS Nanocomposite Film

Nanocomposite film was characterized spectrophotometrically using X-ray diffraction, Bruker D8 Discover, while the size of synthesized green AgNPs was analyzed through Zetasizer, Nano series, HT Laser, ZEN3600 (Molvern Instrument, UK).

Transmission Electron Microscopy (JEM-1011, JEOL, Japan) was employed to characterize the size, shape, and morphologies of formed green synthesized nanocomposite accelerating voltage of 80 and 100 KV, while Thermo Scientific, Nicolet 6700, FT-IR spectrophotometer was used for recording the infrared (IR) spectrum.

Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) analysis was performed for the confirmation of elemental silver. Elemental analysis on single particles was carried out using Oxford Instrument, Incax-act, equipped with Scanning Electron Microscopy using (JEOL-FE SEM, Japan).

3. Results and Discussions

3.1. X-Ray Diffraction Analysis

In this study, we described the characterization of the morphology, crystalline phase, composition, and structure of nanocomposites which was a combination of the silver nanosized powders and the (PS) polymer matrix.

Figure 1 shows XRD pattern of PS and AgNPs and AgNPs/PS nanocomposite. XRD pattern of PS shows that broad peaks appeared at ° which corresponds to a mixture of ordered and disordered structure of the amorphous phase of PS [11]. The amorphous halo is caused by the spacing of individual polymer chains.

(a)

(b)

Figure 1: XRD pattern of PS (a) prepared film of AgNPs, PS nanocomposite (b).

A comparison between diffraction patterns of PS and AgNPs/PS nanocomposites showed that the peaks corresponding to PS became more broader, suggesting the smaller AgNPs embedded in PS chains [12].

3.2. Particle Average Size Determination by Zetasizer

The results of DLS Zetasizer showed very homogenous distribution of AgNPs with average particle size of 45.55 nm which is clearly observed from the appearance of one peak with an intensity 100% and width 8.115 nm as shown in Figure 2. This refers to monodispersity of nanoparticles which gives very high stability of nanoparticles for a long time. In addition, the (PDI), which is 0.292, indicates high stability and homogeneity of the resulting AgNPs.

Figure 2: Particle size distribution of AgNPs.

3.3. TEM Analysis of Green Silver Nanoparticles and Green Nanocomposite

TEM technique was employed to visualize the shape and morphology of green nanoparticles produced. The electron micrograph (Figure 3) confirms data obtained from the DLS. TEM micrograph of AgNPs revealed that their average size ranged between 27 and 41 nm. Figure 3(b) shows distribution of AgNPs into the polystyrene matrix over the sample with spherical shape.

(a)

(b)

Figure 3: TEM image of AgNPs and AgNPs/PS nanocomposite from (a) to (b).

3.4. SEM and EDS Analysis of Green Silver Nanoparticles and Green Nanocomposite

Energy-dispersive spectroscopic (EDS) and SEM analysis investigated the presence of nanosilver in polystyrene matrix. The elemental analysis of AgNPs/PS nanocomposite film was studied by energy dispersive analysis of X-rays (EDS). Figure 4(b) shows EDS spectrum of AgNPs/PS nanocomposite. The peaks observed at the binding energies of 0.85, 1.0, and 3.4 keV correspond to the binding energies of C, O, and Ag, respectively. The presence of carbon in the EDS spectrum is related to PS. The presence of oxygen could be due to the presence of residue of the extract of the orange peel such as fatty acid. The result corroborates the formation of AgNPs/PS nanocomposite film. The SEM image of silver nanoparticles exhibits that almost all the nanoparticles are of spherical shape dispersed in polystyrene matrix with no agglomeration.

(a)

(b)

Figure 4: SEM and EDS analysis of AgNPs/SP nanocomposite film.

3.5. FT-IR Analysis of Green Silver Nanoparticles and Green Nanocomposite

The interfacial interaction between AgNPS/PS nanocomposites was confirmed by FT-IR spectra (Figure 5). The infrared spectrum of PS features bands at 3066 cm⁻¹, 3025 cm⁻¹, 2922 cm⁻¹, and 2851 cm⁻¹ due to the stretching of the (C-H) group. The peaks at 1666–1945, 1491–1599, 1188–1368, and 1026 cm⁻¹ could be attributed to the presence of aromatic C=C bonds stretching vibrations. The bands in the region 907–650 cm⁻¹ can be assigned to the aromatic C-H bonds bending vibrations. The infrared of AgNPS/PS nanocomposites spectra showed all the characteristic bands of polystyrene (PS) in addition to bands at 441.8 and 422.5 cm⁻¹ due to Ag. Also a slight shift in the band corresponding to PS was observed indicating the interaction between PS and AgNPS.

(a)

(b)

Figure 5: Fourier transform infrared spectra analysis for (a) AgNPs and (b) AgNPs/PS nanocomposite.

3.6. Antibacterial Efficacy of Green Silver Nanoparticles and Green Nanocomposite

The in vitro antibacterial screening of AgNPs/PS nanocomposite was tested against gram positive Staphylococcus aureus and gram negative bacteria E. coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Salmonella. The inhibitory activity was measured based on the diameter of the clear inhibition zone. If there was no surrounding clear zone, it was assumed that there was no inhibitory zone. Contact area was used to evaluate growth inhibition underneath. The zones of inhibition around pieces of AgNPs, pure PS film, and AgNPs/PS nanocomposite film for bacterial culture are shown in Figure 6(a) while numerical values of diameter of inhibition zones were compiled in Figure 6(b). The results exhibited very high toxicity against gram negative bacteria Escherichia coli and Salmonella, low toxicity against Klebsiella pneumoniae, and lower toxicity against gram positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus. The presence of green AgNPs from the nanocomposite explains the antimicrobial properties found in the prepared nanocomposite. In addition to this, the antimicrobial properties that have been exhibited in our results are similar to Morones et al. [13] who reported that small size nanoparticles may pass through cell membranes generating cell malfunction [14]. It can be concluded that the nanocomposite (green AgNPs/PS) that has been prepared is an effective agent against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria (which is our case), taking into account that the nanoparticles are uniformly dispersed in the polyethylene matrix.

(a)

(b)

Figure 6: (a) Antibacterial activity assay of (A) pure PS film, (B) green AgNPs/PS nanocomposite film, and (C) green AgNPs and (b) diagram for the antibacterial activity.

In general, the mechanism of the inhibitory effects of Ag ions on microorganisms is partially known. Some studies have reported that the positive charge on the Ag ion is crucial for its antimicrobial activity through the electrostatic attraction between the negative charge on the cell membrane of microorganism and positively charged nanoparticles [15–17]. In contrast, Dragieva et al. [18] reported that the antimicrobial activity of silver nanoparticles on Gram-negative bacteria was dependent on the concentration of Ag nanoparticle and was closely associated with the formation of the pits in the cell wall of bacteria. Ag nanoparticles accumulated in the bacterial membrane caused a change in the permeability, resulting in cell death. However, there studies included both positively charged Ag ions and negatively charged Ag nanoparticles; it does not explain the antimicrobial mechanism of only the positively charged Ag nanoparticles. Therefore, we expect that there is another possible mechanism. Amro et al., 2000, suggested that metal depletion may cause the formation of irregularly shaped pits in the outer membrane and change membrane permeability, which is caused by progressive release of lipopolysaccharide molecules and membrane proteins [19]. Also, Dragieva et al. speculate that a similar mechanism may cause the degradation of the membrane structure of E. coli during treatment with Ag nanoparticles [18]. Although the interference mechanism of AgNPs and bacteria involve some sort of binding mechanism, the level of that interaction between AgNPs and component(s) of the outer bacterial membrane is still not well understood.

Hence, this facile approach for synthesis of green AgNPs-PS nanocomposite film can be useful in a wide range of biomedical products, such as surgical gloves, antibacterial cloths and towels, anti-infectious urinary catheters, bandage, food packaging, water container, and industrial applications. The method has been distinguish as a method which allows the use of nontoxic, abundant ecofriendly bioavailable material which is energy saving and low cost.

4. Conclusion

The synthesis of nanocomposite film showed significant antibacterial activity on both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. This promises a potential use of the nanocomposite in the pharmaceutical, biomedical, and industrial fields, such as bandages, wounds dressing, and dental tools. In addition, the applications include also food and water storage as well as wastewater treatment.

Highlights

(i)Silver/polystyrene nanocomposite is a novel approach.(ii)Orange peel is extracted by toluene as a reducing agent.(iii)Ecofriendly silver/polystyrene nanocomposite showed highly effective antibacterial activity towards Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.

Conflict of Interests

The authors declare that there is no conflict of interests regarding the publication of this paper.

Acknowledgment

The authors extend their appreciation to the Deanship of Scientific Research at King Saud University for funding this work through research group no. RGP-VPP-278.

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