Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles in a Biopolymer Matrix Based on Dialdehyde Carboxymethylcellulose/Sericin

In this study, the formation of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) within a graft copolymer matrix based on dialdehyde carboxymethyl cellulose (DCMC) and silk sericin was investigated. The formation of Schiff bases between the aldehyde groups of DCMC and the amino groups of sericin resulted in the development of a stable biopolymer network, which enabled the simultaneous reduction and stabilization of nanoparticles. The mechanism of the photochemical reduction of silver ions into their metallic form and their interaction with the polymer matrix was comprehensively analyzed. The structure and morphology of the obtained nanocomposites were characterized using Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) and UV–Vis spectroscopy methods. According to the results, stable silver nanoparticles with spherical and needle-like morphologies, ranging in size from 30 to 90 nm, were uniformly distributed within the polymer matrix. The findings demonstrate that DCMC/sericin-based biopolymer systems possess significant potential for application as functional nanocomposites, particularly in the development of antimicrobial materials.