Antimicrobial Biocomposites Based on Regenerated Cellulose Sponge/Silver Nanoparticles Obtained by Friendly-Environmental Method as a Promising Material for Tissue Engineering

Regenerated cellulose sponge (RCS) holds significant promise for biomedical applications due to its biocompatibility, flexibility, and porosity. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized via hydrothermal reduction of silver nitrate (AgNO3) at three concentrations and incorporated into the RCS matrix. RCS@AgNPs biocomposites were characterized through morphological, physicochemical, and biological assays. Field emission gun scanning electron microscopy (FEG-SEM) revealed a rough, porous sponge surface with square AgNPs (49-84 nm) and minimal agglomeration, suggesting the role of RCS as a reducing and stabilizing material. The attenuation of the band at 3300 cm–1 indicated interactions between RCS hydroxyl groups and AgNPs through hydrogen bonding. Indeed, AgNPs enhanced the thermal stability of RCS@AgNPs by increasing its maximum decomposition temperature. Pristine RCS exhibited a superior liquid uptake capacity (953% of its weight in ca. 5 min), while RCS@AgNPs biocomposites showed varying liquid uptake profiles (610-800%). Cytotoxicity and microbiological assays confirmed the biocompatibility and antimicrobial activity of RCS@AgNPs against Grampositive and Gram-negative bacteria, highlighting their potential for tissue engineering.