Synthesis and Characterization of Polyvinyl Alcohol/ Gelatin/ CuO Nanocomposite Film Via γ-Irradiation for Antimicrobial Application

Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Jazan University, Jazan, KSA. Biological Department, Faculty of Science, South Valley University, Qena-83523, Egypt. Physics Department, Faculty of Science, South Valley University, Qena-83523, Egypt. Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, South Valley University, Qena-83523, Egypt. Radiation Chemistry Department, National Center for Radiation Research and. Technology, P.O. Box 29 Nasr City, Cairo, Egypt Email address ah_ismaiel2006@yahoo.com *Corresponding author ABSTRACT Several polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/ gelatin nano-copper oxide (nano-CuO) films were prepared by a solution casting method. Changes in the structural properties, with two different irradiation doses were subsequently investigated using TEM, SEM and FTIR. The FTIR spectrum and SEM shows a strong chemical interaction between PVA/ gelatin and nano-copper oxide (nano-CuO) with the formation of new peaks. Moreover, the results indicated that an intermolecular hydrogen bond and a chemical bond CuO-Cu were formed in the nano-CuO and PVA/ gelatin. Results showed that all the tested synthesized films have a significant growth inhibition of both Gram positive and negative bacteria and fungi,