Synthesis and characterization of Ag nanoparticles by using plant extracts and determination of properties of electrospun fibers of polylactic acid polymer doped by them

The presented work consists of two parts as the synthesis and characterization of Ag nanoparticles using plant extracts which is one of the Green Chemistry methods, and characterization of the fibers of the polylactic acid (PLA) polymer doped with the nanoparticles synthesized. Ag nanoparticles were sythesized by using the extract of bay, lavender, melissa, hop, and olive leaves and turmeric powder. Extracts were obtained by refluxing and filtering of the plants. Nanoparticles were synthesized by adding the metal precursor solution to plant extracts and stirring the solution at room temperature in dark. Characterization of the synthesized nanoparticles was performed by UV, TEM, XRD analysis. After characterization, it was regarded that Ag nanoparticles could be synthesized without using any additional reduction and/or stabilizing agents. The powdered plant extracts possesing Ag nanoparticles were tested against gram negative Escherichia coli (E.coli- ATCC 11775) for their antibacterial activity. The powdered extacts possesing Ag nanoparticles and showing antibacterial activity were added to polylactic acid polymer solution and the solution was electrospun to get nanofibers. Electrospun fibers of the doped polymer solution were characterized by SEM and optic microscopy analysis. Solution of the polylactic acid polymer was prepared in chloroform/acetone mixture for electro spinning and ideal fiber formation parameters were identified. In the presented work, it was seen that nanoparticles could be synthesized in an eco friendly way by using rather few chemical and energy during obtaining of the extracts and the synthesis of nanoparticles. It has been shown that antibacterial active fibers could be obtained from polylactic acid polymer doped with plant extract powders containing Ag nanoparticles. Polylactic acid is a polymer which is biocompatible/biodegradable and obtainable from renewable resources and has Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for biomedical applications. Nanofibers containing Ag nanoparticles have the potential applications in medical area.