Preparation and characterization of polycaprolactone/biogenic silver nanoparticles nanocomposite

Silver nanoparticles (AgNP) using red propolis of Alagoas have been synthesized by our research group. One way of applying these materials is as bioactive primary dressings, which consists in the aim of this work using polycaprolactone (PCL) as matrix. Through the solvent casting technique, 9% PCL and PCL membranes containing 1%, 2% and 5% of AgNP concentration, were produced and characterized by X-ray diffraction (PXRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and thermogravimetry (TG). A tensile test and evaluation of AgNP release from the membrane was performed. By PXRD, it was seen that the crystalline planes of the silver increased intensity as the concentration increased. FTIR analysis indicated a PCL interaction site with AgNP. TG analysis showed increased the thermal stability when added AgNP. By tensile test, it was seen that, with AgNP addition, the mechanical strength was higher and there was no AgNP release in the conditions evaluated.