Characterization and antibacterial properties of Ag NPs loaded nylon-6 nanocomposite prepared by one-step electrospinning process

A facile one-step approach to fabricate nylon-6 nanofibers decorated with silver nanoparticles by electrospinning has been reported. The method did not need post-treatments and could be carried out at ambient room condition. It employed the electrospinning solvents [formic acid and methoxy poly(ethylene glycol)] as a reducing agent for the conversion of AgNO₃ into Ag NPs during the solution preparation for electrospinning. The resultant Ag/nylon-6 hybrid nanofibers showed a smooth fibrous structure, with controlled size of Ag NPs uniformly dispersed throughout the nylon-6 matrix. The size of Ag NPs could be controlled by regulating the standing time duration of electrospinning solution. These hybrid nylon-6 composite nanofibers exhibited antibacterial activity against both Gram-negative Escherichia coli and Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus. Therefore, the obtained nylon-6 nanofibrous mats loaded with Ag NPs can be used in different areas such as wound dressing, water filters etc.