Antibacterial Acrylamide Hydrogels Containing Silver Nanoparticles by Simultaneous Photoinduced Free Radical Polymerization and Electron Transfer Processes

Ag‐nanoparticle‐containing hydrogels were successfully prepared by in situ reduction of silver nitrate in the presence of citrate molecules as stabilizing agent during photoinduced copolymerization of AAm and BAAm. Swelling‐deswelling behavior and thermal properties of the synthesized hydrogels were investigated. The interior morphology of the gels exhibit continuity, which is a common feature for hydrogel networks. Antimicrobial activities of the hydrogels were also investigated against pathogenic E. coli O157:H7, S. aureus, and non‐pathogenic E. coli K‐12, which are model microorganisms for testing bactericidal properties. The hydrogels containing well‐dispersed Ag NPs showed significant antibacterial activity. Synthesis of antibacterial hydrogels containing Ag NPs was achieved by in situ reduction of silver nitrate during photoinduced FRP of AAm and BAAm. Swelling‐deswelling properties, thermogravimetric properties, interior morphologies, and antibacterial activities of the hydrogels were studied. The gels showed significant antimicrobial properties against model microorganisms such as pathogenic E. coli O157:H7, S. aureus, and non‐pathogenic E. coli K‐12.