Antibacterial Properties of Dandelion Extract-Based PVA/CTS/DAN/CuNP Composite Gel

Abstract

Dandelion extract is a reducing agent, and CuSO4∙5H2O was used as a carrier to create copper nanoparticles (CuNPs). A novel polyvinyl alcohol–chitosan–dandelion–CuNP (PVA/CTS/DAN/CuNP) gel was acquired by cross-linking Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and chitosan (CTS) solution. Its structure was analyzed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction. The PVA/CTS/DAN/CuNP gels manifested good stability, recycling ability, swelling properties, and biocompatibility. Using the agar diffusion method, the diameters of the inhibition zone of the composite gel against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa could be over 21 mm. In conclusion, the PVA/CTS/DAN/CuNP composite gel had good antibacterial performance, which has a high potential for application in microbial contamination treatment and environmental protection.