Green synthesis and swelling behavior of Ag-nanocomposite semi-IPN hydrogels and their drug delivery using Dolichos biflorus Linn

Acrylic-based hydrogels with great potentials for usage in medical area were principally synthesized as per two strategies. The first involved reaction containing silver nitrate to yield silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) where Dolichos biflorus Linn acted as both reducing agent and stabilizing for green synthesized AgNPs was added to the reaction medium to establish reduction of Ag+ to AgNPs. The second strategy entailed preparation of nanosilver composite hydrogel that is carried out by free radical polymerization reaction in presence of Sodium Alginate and acrylamide (AAm) under the same conditions. In both strategies, factors affecting the characterization of AgNPs-loaded hydrogels were studied. Analysis and characterization of the so obtained hydrogels were performed through monitoring swelling behavior, FTIR spectroscopy, SEM, EDX, UV–Vis spectrophotometer, XRD, and TEM. Results indicate that modifying AAm and silver ion can improve swelling properties of the resultant nanocomposite hydrogel. pH response of this nanocomposite hydrogel in different pH made it suitable for drug delivery applications.