Functional properties of composites containing silver nanoparticles embedded in hyaluronan and hyaluronan-lecithin matrix.

The rapid progress of nanotechnology triggers the development of nanomedicine. As the antimicrobial properties of nanosilver are well known, there is a huge interest in the synthesis of silver nanoparticles using environmentally-friendly methods. In this study we described the functional (rheological, mechanical, surface, structural) properties of gels and foils containing silver nanoparticles embedded in hyaluronan and hyaluronan-lecithin matrix prepared using the methods of green chemistry. The study showed that the addition of silver strengthened the structure of Hyal foil, but reduced the stretch of the sample and that lecithin weakened the mechanical properties of the composites. Also, the presence of nanosilver made the studied foils partially hydrophilic, while these with lecithin were more hydrophobic. The results of the study are significant for the adaptation of the investigated materials to their potential applications. • Functional and structural properties of Hyal/Ag and Hyal-L/Ag composites. • Hyal-L/Ag and Hyal/Ag samples were more pseudoplastic than pure Hyal. • Silver strengthened the structure of Hyal foil and made it partially hydrophilic. • Lecithin weakened the mechanical properties of the composite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]