In situ alkali-free growth of octahedral Ag2O nanoparticles by bacterial cellulose for efficient antibacterial application

Uniform octahedral Ag₂O nanoparticles were in situ synthesized within natural bacterial cellulose (BC) films without any inorganic alkali. The morphological transformation of Ag₂O from nanoparticles and small nanoplates to an octahedral structure was well controlled by varying the UV exposure time. To reduce and anchor Ag₂O nanoparticles, abundant hydroxyl groups on the surface of natural BC fibers ensured an ideal environment for the mild redox reaction between Ag⁺ and –OH groups. The structural features and structure–activity relationship of Ag₂O/BC films were confirmed through TEM, energy dispersive spectroscopy assisted SEM analysis, Fourier transform IR, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, TGA and XRD. The structure–antibacterial activity relationship of the Ag₂O/BC films was proved against both Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) bacteria. They also showed excellent performance in the photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes. Ag₂O/BC films have potential bactericidal applications in the field of pharmacy, specifically for wound dressing and flexible wearable materials. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.