Research Information System
ChemistrySelect, vol.10, no.39, 2025 (SCI-Expanded)
This study reports the synthesis and characterization of a novel multifunctional nanocomposite platform based on silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs), curcumin (CUR), and polyaniline (PANI), all embedded within a crosslinked poly(methacrylic acid–ethylene glycol dimethacrylate) (PMAA–EGDMA) network. The synthesis involved CUR-functionalization of Ag-NPs, followed by the in situ oxidative polymerization of aniline, and final entrapment within the pH-responsive hydrogel matrix for stability and mechanical robustness. Characterization by FTIR, Raman, SEM-EDX, and DLS confirmed a stable spherical morphology with an average size of 170 nm and a zeta potential of −18 mV. Electrochemical analysis using cyclic voltammetry (CV) demonstrated a significantly enhanced redox activity for the final composite compared to individual components, exhibiting increased peak currents and more defined redox pairs, indicative of improved electron-transfer kinetics. The platform also exhibited a potent synergistic antibacterial effect. While Ag-NPs or CUR alone were largely ineffective (MIC > 500 µg/mL against S. typhimurium), the nanocomposite showed marked potency, achieving minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) as low as 25 µg/mL against B. cereus and S. typhimurium. The integrated design, emphasizing the hierarchical combination of conductive and bioactive components within the PMAA–EGDMA matrix, successfully yields a single system with simultaneously enhanced electrochemical performance and antibacterial efficacy.