Macroporous Filtration PTFE Membranes Modified with Polymer-Based Nanocomposite Containing Zirconium Hydrophosphate and Silver Nanoparticles

A three-component polymer-based composite containing zirconium hydrophosphate and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) was synthesized using various reducing agents to obtain AgNPs of varying sizes, ranging from 10-15 nm to 25-80 nm. The use of flavonoids from plant extracts resulted in the most uniform and smallest nanoparticles, which demonstrated the strongest antibacterial activity against Candida albicans (inhibition zone of 30 mm), Staphylococcus aureus (20 mm), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (24 mm), Escherichia coli (20 mm), and Salmonella spp. $(15 \mathrm{~mm})$.A method for incorporating this organic-inorganic composite into commercial microfiltration fibrous PTFE membranes was developed. SEM analysis and porometric methods revealed that the composite effectively filled the membrane pores and facilitated the formation of a secondary pore structure, with 4 nm pores predominating among the mesopores. The complex modifier composition significantly enhanced the mechanical and separation characteristics of the polymer membrane, making it suitable for separating high molecular weight components from biological liquids. The incorporated composite effectively screens the macropores of the polymer support and inhibits biofouling through hydrophilization and antibacterial activity.