Preparation of Biologically Active Compositions from Aqueous Solutions of L-Cysteine, Silver Salts and Polyvinyl Alcohol

Abstract

UV spectroscopy, viscosimetry, pH measurements, and scanning electron microscopy were used to study the behavior and morphology of hydrogels obtained from L•cysteine, silver nitrate, and polyvinyl alcohol. Good compatibility was found for aqueous solutions of cysteine and silver nitrate upon their mixing with a solution of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). Increasing the concentration of PVA leads to an increase in viscosity indices of the hydrogels. The interaction between PVA macromolecules and supramolecules of the cysteine•silver solution occurs primarily through the formation of hydrogen bonds. The hydrogels were found to have macro• and superporous structure. Introduction of the polymer permits control of the porosity and favors encapsulation of the supramolecular structure in the polymer matrix.