Biocompatible Ag nanoparticle-embedded poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) derivative films with bacterial adhesion-resistant and antibacterial properties

Polymeric nanocomposite films of poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PHEMA) derivative, with ester side groups containing well-dispersed Ag nanoparticles, were prepared, using a very simple coating and reduction process. The nanocomposite films were stable in water because the matrix polymer, PHEMA derivative with ester side groups is relatively hydrophobic, while Ag nanoparticles are well dispersed in the polymer matrix, due to the oxygen-rich ester side groups of the polymer. By integrating the antibacterial effect of Ag nanoparticles onto the bacterial adhesion-resistant and biocompatible characters of the PHEMA derivative, polymer-Ag nanocomposite films having biocompatible, bacterial adhesion-resistant, and antibacterial properties could be produced. Moreover, a very small amount of Ag nanoparticles was found to greatly increase the stability of the polymer film in water, a leading to extending the applicable window in biological fields.