Imparting antimicrobial properties to natural rubber latex foam via green synthesized silver nanoparticles

Abstract

The green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in centrifuged natural rubber latex (NRL) by in situ reduction of silver nitrate by NRL is described. The synthesis of AgNP within NRL was successfully carried out without the addition of any reducing agent or stabilizers. The modified AgNP incorporated with centrifuged NRL (GAgNP_NRL) was used to make NRL foam (NRLF) by the Dunlop production method. An ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectrophotometer analysis, Zeta potential analysis data and transmission electron micrograph analysis proved that the modified centrifuged NRL consisted of stable nanometer-sized silver particles. A scanning electron microscopic (SEM)/energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) analysis and UV-Vis analysis of a latex film made out of the modified GAgNP_NRL compound showed nano-sized silver particles inside the rubber matrix. The final product of the NRLF (GAgNP_NRLF) made out of the GAgNP_NRL compound was tested for antimicrobial properties against gram-negative Escherichia coli, gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis. The resultant GAgNP_NRLF strongly inhibited the bacteria.

Antibacterial and Cytotoxic Potential of Latex-Mediated Silver Nanoparticles Using Tabernaemontana ventricosa

“…Initially, the mixture (1% latex + AgNO 3 ) appeared white (Figure 1A); however, following the incubation period, a light greyish color was observed (Figure 1B). Rathnayake et al [28], reported a similar color change for the green synthesis of AgNPs inside centrifuged natural rubber latex. These visible color changes are usually related to the reduction in silver (Ag) ions by the capping of biomolecules present within the respective extracts [5,28].…”

“…Rathnayake et al [28], reported a similar color change for the green synthesis of AgNPs inside centrifuged natural rubber latex. These visible color changes are usually related to the reduction in silver (Ag) ions by the capping of biomolecules present within the respective extracts [5,28]. Moreover, the literature has often associated a rapid and extreme color change with the production of AgNPs; however, this may vary based on several factors such as plant organ type, solvent/extract, concentration, duration of incubation, and the presence of reducing agents [29,30].…”

A comparative study on mica waste‐filled natural rubber foam composites made out of creamed and centrifuged latex

“…Qualitative determination of antimicrobial properties was performed as described in the following method as reported in the literature. [18,[22][23][24] Luria broth (LB) medium was prepared and a single colony of Escherichia coli (E. coli) was inoculated in aseptic conditions. Bacteria inoculated LB medium was then incubated at 37 C for 12 h in a mechanical shaker.…”

Enhancement of the Antibacterial Activity of Natural Rubber Latex Foam by Blending It with Chitin

“…The focus is on exploring the mechanical properties of composite foams and emphasizing the reuse of natural fibers. Currently, the research on antibacterial NRLF mainly focuses on zinc oxide [34] and silver particles [35][36][37][38][39]. Khemara Mama [40] demonstrated that NRLF treated with silver nanoparticles of only 0.2 per hundred rubber (phr) had improved antibacterial ability by 43.8% against E. coli and 25% against S. aureus compared to NRLF that was not treated with silver nanoparticles.…”

“…Compared with zinc oxide and silver particles, chitin has the advantages of renewability, biodegradability and biocompatibility. Furthermore, the preparation of silver antimicrobials is quite complex due to the synthesis of nanoparticles [39] while blending with chitin is more simple and convenient. The poor solubility of chitin provides the NRLF composite with more durability within its service life.…”