The Impact of Preparation Time on AgNPs Doped PVA and Its Implication in Antimicrobial Activity

Silver/polyvinyl alcohol (Ag/PVA) nanocomposites were fabricated via an electrochemical method. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) with varying grain sizes were directly synthesized within PVA polymer matrices at deposition times of 15, 30, 45, 60, and 120 minutes. The integration of AgNPs within the PVA matrix was confirmed through Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and optical absorbance measurements. X-ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis demonstrated the face-centered cubic structure of AgNPs. Furthermore, these prepared nanocomposites exhibited significant antibacterial properties against Bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonas pneumonia, as well as antifungal activity against Alternaria alternata. Remarkably, the AgNPs/PVA nanocomposite exhibited outstanding antifungal efficiency, resulting in an impressive inhibition zone of up to 47 mm.