Effect of silver nanoparticles content on the various properties of nanocomposite hydrogels by in situ polymerization

A series of nanocomposite hydrogels (APEAg series gels) were prepared from acrylic acid, poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether acrylate, and silver nanoparticles through in situ polymerization by UV irradiation. The effect of the content of silver nanoparticle on the properties of the nanocomposite hydrogels was investigated. Results showed that, with increasing of the content of the silver nanoparticle in the hydrogels, the crosslinking density and shear modulus of the hydrogel were not obviously changed, the electrical conductivities of the nanocomposite hydrogels increased, and their initial rate of Escherichia coli inactivation significantly increased, but their adhesive force only slightly decreased. These materials can be assessed as promising bioadhesive patch or wound-dressing material or electrical massage patch.