The synthesis and characterization of a new polymeric material composed of poly-{trans-[RuCl2(vpy)4 ]-styrene-4-vinylpyridine} impregnated with silver nanoparticles are here described. This material was obtained by a non aqueous polymerization reaction involving trans-[RuCl2(vpy)4], styrene (sty) and 4-vinylpyridine (4-vpy), using benzoyl peroxide as initiator. The silver particles nanometric dimensions were confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and UV-visible spectroscopy. The terpolymer morphology was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Thermal properties were analyzed by thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The antimicrobial action of the polymer impregnated with silver nanoparticles was evaluated by the use of Gram positive and Gram negative microorganisms, Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923) and Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922), respectively. The antimicrobial activity of the terpolymer with silver nanoparticles was confirmed by the presence of a bacterial growth inhibition halo in seeded culture media.
ruthenium complex; polymer; silver nanoparticles; antimicrobial
