Ag and MoO₃ Nanoparticle-Containing Polyacrylonitrile Nanofiber Membranes for Wound Dressings

Abstract

Herein, we report the effect of different reducing agents on Ag-MoO 3 /polyacrylonitrile nanofibers for their promising potential as advanced wound dressings. The nanofibers were treated with NaOH, NaBH 4 , sodium citrate, and UV light, and their properties were evaluated. Water contact angle measurements revealed that NaOH treatment resulted in a less wettable surface, while NaBH 4 and sodium citrate treatments led to more wettable surfaces. UV light treatment induced a slight increase in the surface wettability. Antibacterial inhibition zone tests showed that NaOH and UV treatments exhibited significant inhibitory effects against both Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis, while NaBH 4 and sodium citrate treatments displayed moderate inhibitory effects. Moreover, silver release profiles demonstrated a sustained release of silver ions over time, with sodium citrate treatment exhibiting a higher release rate. MoO 3 /polyacrylonitrile displayed a substantially lower stress value, 73% less than that of the blank polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofiber. This decrease in the stress value is advantageous for wound dressings, as it allows for improved flexibility and conformability to the wound site. Overall, these findings provide insights into the surface wettability, antimicrobial properties, and silver ion release capabilities of Ag-MoO 3 /polyacrylonitrile nanofibers under different treatments, highlighting their potential for wound dressing applications.

Antibacterial Activity of Molybdenum Oxide–Polyacrylonitrile Composite Membrane with Fast Silver Ion Reduction

“…The introduction of silver nanoparticles did not result in any noticeable shifts in the Mo spectrum, indicating that the presence of silver did not affect the transition state of molybdenum. 47,50 In the Ag 3d spectra, the major contributor peaks at 365.8 and 371.9 eV exhibited slight shifts in binding energy toward lower values. This shift was attributed to the reduction of silver ions to metallic silver (Ag 0 ).…”

“…59,60 Antimicrobial assessments were conducted using a method explained in our previous research. 47 To evaluate the antimicrobial properties of the produced fibers, we employed the agar disc diffusion assay following the standard test method (AATCC 147-1998). Specifically, bacterial strains, E. coli and B. subtilis, were utilized for the experiment.…”

“…Additionally, at the start, the membrane has many available binding sites for silver ions, but over time, these binding sites might be decreased, resulting in reduced release. 45,47,67 Furthermore, we analyzed the release data of the Ag@ MoO 3 /PAN composite membrane using different models, as described in a previous report. 68 The release data showed a better fit with the Peppas and first-order models, as shown in Figure 10c for hours and Figure 10d for days release, suggesting that multiple mechanisms may be involved in the release process.…”

“…These interactions can lead to the binding or complexation of silver ions on the membrane surface or within its structure. , This binding reduces the concentration of free silver ions available for release. Additionally, at the start, the membrane has many available binding sites for silver ions, but over time, these binding sites might be decreased, resulting in reduced release. ,, …”

“… 46 Previous research conducted by our team has confirmed the efficacy of molybdenum trioxide nanoparticles (NPs) embedded in polyacrylonitrile (PAN) in promoting wound healing and controlling the release of silver ions for antibacterial purposes. 47 Notably, these NPs have exhibited highly promising antimicrobial properties against both Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli .…”