DEVELOPMENT OF LONG-LASTING ANTIMICROBIAL AND POTENTIAL HEMOSTATIC NANOCOMPOSITES (pyrophyllite based) WITH PVP-coated COLLOIDAL SILVER NANOPARTICLES

Pyrophyllite clay, modified with PVP coated silver nanoparticles (PYRO-PVP/AgNPs), with recently proved antibacterial activity was prepared. Silver nanoparticles were synthesized by the chemical reduction method of AgNO3 using NaBH4 and poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP) as a stabilizer and excellent dispersant. This research aimed to elucidate the mechanisms and kinetics of AgNPs, along with the PVP protective mechanism responsible for antibacterial activity towards the microorganisms. Pioneering steps were made toward coagulation studies due to the potential of aluminosilicate layered clays to serve as alternatives to hemostatic agents currently in use. The isoelectric point of pyrophyllite samples with 5, 20, and 45 μm diameter particles and PYRO/PVP/AgNPs sample (Ag25mg/L) was evaluated to understand how the anticoagulant or procoagulant properties of the pyrophyllite varied according to the pH of the isoelectric point. Characterization of the PYRO-PVP/AgNPs samples was performed using FTIR spectroscopy, while the release mechanism and kinetics of silver ions were monitored using atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). Additionally, AAS was used for the evaluation of heavy metals content in pyrophyllite clay and a simple, cost-effective procedure was proposed for the extraction of heavy metals.