Grigoraș, Anca GiorgianaPopescu, IrinaGrădinaru, Luiza MadalinaMihalache, GabrielaLipșa, Florin-DanielNica, Simona-LuminițaGrigoraș, Vasile Cristian2026-06-132026-06-132025-09-10https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17182456https://repository.iuls.ro/handle/20.500.12811/6632Nowadays, utilizing biodegradable and bio-inspired substances and combining them in innovative ways is a prerequisite for obtaining new and useful materials. In this paper, we designed and characterized eco-friendly materials as alternatives for packaging and medical applications. Thus, cellulose fibers of medical gauze or filter paper were coated with a mixed solution containing poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), plant-based synthesized silver particles (AgPs), and magnetite (MG). The composites and their components were studied using UV-Vis, FTIR, and Energy-Dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy, Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) to evidence the presence, size, surface charge, morphology, and chemical composition of particles in the composites, as well as particle interactions. Their proven hydrophobic and antibacterial character could recommend them for the design of antifouling medical coatings and food packaging.enCC BY 4.0https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/cellulose-PVA compositessilver particlesmagnetitecryogelwettabilityantimicrobial activityArticle2073-4360https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17182456