Stable PEG-Silver Nanoparticles Biomaterial for Medical Applications

Nanomaterials exhibit exceptional properties that make them valuable in various fields, including medicine and industrial applications. Silver nanoparticles, in particular, have garnered significant attention in medical research due to their potent antibacterial effects against a range of bacterial strains. These nanoparticles offer a promising alternative as an innovative, rapid, and targeted therapy compared to traditional treatments, effectively inhibiting bacterial proliferation. To enhance their biocompatibility, silver nanoparticles can be PEGylated with poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), a biocompatible polymer widely used in medical applications. Given that particle size is a critical factor influencing the properties of silver nanoparticles, our study focused on comparing different synthesis methods to understand how PEG incorporation affects particle size. The findings indicated that the method of PEG integration plays a pivotal role, with nanoparticles being formed when the silver nanoparticles were synthesized first and then incorporated into the PEG matrix. This outcome was validated through UV-VIS spectroscopy, which confirmed nanoparticle formation, and dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis, which consistently demonstrated particle sizes below 50 nm for this synthesis approach. Consequently, our study demonstrates that under optimal PEGylation conditions, silver nanoparticles smaller than 50 nm with potential antibacterial properties can be successfully synthesized, offering promising prospects for medical applications.