Design of (1‐Vinyl‐3‐Decylimidazolium Bromide–Acrylamide)/ <scp>PVA</scp> Hydrogels for Biomedical Use: Experimental and Computational Insights

ABSTRACT This study focuses on developing and characterizing an antibacterial hydrogel composed of co‐polymeric ionic liquid, 1‐vinyl‐3‐decylimidazolium bromide‐acrylamide (PIL) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). The co‐polymeric ionic liquid is incorporated into the polyvinyl alcohol network in varying concentrations using a solution‐casting method to enhance antibacterial activity. Structural and morphological properties are analyzed through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and UV–Visible Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy (UVDRS). FTIR confirms the successful integration of the co‐polymers, while SEM reveals a porous structure favorable for moisture retention and nutrient absorption. XRD analysis identifies crystalline and amorphous regions. UVDRS highlights UV‐range absorption, indicating potential antibacterial applications under UV light. Electrical testing shows frequency‐dependent dielectric behavior with increased conductivity, suggesting additional uses in biomedical devices. Swelling tests demonstrate high water retention, and antibacterial efficacy against Escherichia coli ( E. coli ) and Staphylococcus aureus ( S. aureus ) is confirmed via the disc diffusion method. From the computational analysis, the docking energies for Porin (OmpF) ( E. coli ) and Immunoglobulin G‐binding protein A ( S. aureus ) are found to be −5.8 kcal/mol and −5.0 kcal/mol, respectively.