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Biocides are required in a wide variety of commonly used products such as medicines, cosmetics or paints for preservation. Historically used biocides, such as parabens and isothiazolones, of organic origin, pose health and environmental problems that are increasingly acutely felt. In this context, mineral biocides such as silver nanoparticles are of great interest, but the release of silver ions (Ag+) must be controlled.

The main objective of the SNICKER project is to create a hybrid cellulose / nanosilver material for which cellulose is a substrate on which silver is grafted. In addition to the biodegradable aspect of cellulose, an optimal management of silver as a biocide will be obtained by grafting silver adapted to the surface of nanocelluloses for a controlled release of Ag+ ions through an "silver-stat" effect: Ag+ ions will be released throughout the life of the product with minimal release at the end of life.

The Nanostructured assembly team (NANO) of the BIA Unit is in charge of grafting and ion release studies, while toxicity and biocidal activity will be studied at the CEA in Grenoble. The project also plans to test these biocides in applications and notably with the Montpellier IATE UMR in food films.

The SNICKER project is a research project integrated into the SERENADE Labex.