Biocompatible Ag Nanoparticle-Embedded Poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) Derivative Films with Bacterial Adhesion-Resistant and Antibacterial Properties

Polymeric nanocomposite films of poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PHEMA) derivative, with esterside groups containing well-dispersed Ag nanoparticles, were prepared, using a very simple coating and reductionprocess. The nanocomposite films were stable in water because the matrix polymer, PHEMA derivative with esterside groups is relatively hydrophobic, while Ag nanoparticles are well dispersed in the polymer matrix, due to theoxygen-rich ester side groups of the polymer. By integrating the antibacterial effect of Ag nanoparticles onto the bacterialadhesion-resistant and biocompatible characters of the PHEMA derivative, polymer-Ag nanocomposite filmshaving biocompatible, bacterial adhesion-resistant, and antibacterial properties could be produced. Moreover, a verysmall amount of Ag nanoparticles was found to greatly increase the stability of the polymer film in water, a leadingto extending the applicable window in biological fields.