Silver nanoparticles-containing dual-function hydrogels based on a guar gum-sodium borohydride system.

ABSTRACT: Dual-function hydrogels, possessing both stimuli-responsive and self-healing properties, have recently attracted attention of both chemists and materials scientists. Here we report a new paradigm using natural polymer (guar gum, GG) and sodium borohydride (NaBH₄), for the preparation of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs)-containing smart hydrogels in a simple, fast and economical way. NaBH₄ performs as a reducing agent for AgNPs synthesis using silver nitrate (AgNO₃) as the precursor. Meanwhile, sodium metaborate (NaBO₂) (from NaBH₄) behaves as a cross-linking agent between GG molecular chains. The AgNPs/GG hydrogels with excellent viscoelastic properties can be obtained within 3 min at room temperature without the addition of other cross-li

SUBMITTER: Dai L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5098157 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature