Abstract:

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs)/TiO2/celllulose acetate (CA) composite nanofibers were successfully prepared by using TiO2 and AgNO3 as additives, and electrospinning. The obtained composite nanofibers were characterized using scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy separately. The antibacterial property of the composite nanofiber was further evaluated by the agar diffusion method. The results show that the surface morphology of the composite fibers could be effected by both AgNPs and TiO2 in a content-dependent way. An interaction exits between the oxygen atom of CA and AgNPs in the nanofibers. An obvious absorption peaks in visible light wavelength region could be observed due to the existence of AgNPs in the nanofiber. The synergistic effect of AgNPs and TiO2 provides the composite nanofiber with a remarkable antibacterial property against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus.

Key words: silver nanoparticles, TiO2, cellulose acetate, electrospinning, antibacterial property