4-(1-Pyrenyl)butyric acid-functionalised chitosan as a matrix for AgNP: photoresponsive and thermal properties

We developed a new 4-(1-pyrenyl)butyric acid functionalised chitosan matrix for the stabilisation of silver nanoparticles (AgNP). The functional modification of chitosan was achieved by the esterification of the hydroxylic groups of chitosan with the carboxylic acid group of the 4-(1-pyrenyl)butyric acid. Silver nanoparticles were synthesised using the reduction method and these nanoparticles were stabilised into the biopolymeric scaffolds of functionalised chitosan. The morphology and the structure have been determined using FT IR, NMR, DSC, TG, SEM and TEM analysis. The thermal stability and photoresponsive properties of the products were analysed and the resulting product possessed intense photosensitive flourescence and thermal properties. The product was biocompatible and can find applications in biomedical, agricultural fields and environmental protection.