Nano curcumin as a multifunctional additive in (PVP/SA) blends: structural, optical, and antibacterial insights

Abstract Nano curcumin was incorporated into Polyvinyl pyrrolidone/ Sodium alginate (PVP/SA) blend using casting method. The decrease in amorphousity of PVP/SA polymer blend with increasing nano curcumin content was confirmed by XRD results. FTIR illustrated the coordination or interaction between the (PVP/SA) blend and nano curcumin. The effect of nano curcumin addition on the optical properties achieved by Ultraviolet/visible analysis, the band gaps were reduced by addition nano curcumin amounts. The formation of charge transfer complexes between the conjugated structure of curcumin and the polymer chains leads to enhanced electron delocalization. Scanning electron microscope used to record morphological properties. TEM images confirmed the uniformly distribution of nanocurcumin on the film surface. The antimicrobial effect and activity index of polymeric blend with nano curcumin were achieved against two-gram negative and two-gram positive bacteria.