Analysis of the antibacterial properties of polycaprolactone modified with graphene, bioglass and zinc-doped bioglass

Abstract

Purpose: Innovative biomedical filaments for 3D printing in the form of short and biodegradable composite sticks modified with various additives were used to prepare biomaterials for further nasal implants. As the respiratory tract is considered to be potentially exposed to contamination during the implantation procedure there is a need to modify the implant with an antibacterial additives. The purpose of this work was to analyze the effect of biodegradable polymer – polycaprolactone (PCL) modification with various additives on its antibacterial properties. Methods: PCL filament modified with graphene (0.5, 5, 10% wt.), bioglass (0.4% wt.) and zinc-doped bioglass (0.4% wt.) were used to print spatial biomaterials using FDM 3D printer. Pure polymer biomaterials without additives were used as reference samples. The key task was to assess the antimicrobial impact of the prepared biomaterials against the following microorganisms: Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25293, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Candida albicans ATCC 10231. Results: The research results point to a significant antibacterial efficacy of the tested materials against S. aureus and C. albicans, which, however, seems to decrease with increasing graphene content in the filaments. A complete lack of antibacterial efficacy against E. coli was determined. Conclusions: The tested biomaterials have important antibacterial properties, especially against C. albicans. The obtained results showed that biomaterials made of modified filaments can be successfully used in implantology, where a need to create temporary tissue scaffolds occurs.

A Review on Manufacturing Processes of Biocomposites Based on Poly(α-Esters) and Bioactive Glass Fillers for Bone Regeneration

“…In order to achieve local and targeted therapeutic effects, antibiotics, drugs or metallic ions can be introduced into the biomaterials used for medical devices [ 83 ]. The incorporation of metallic ions as strontium (Sr) [ 84 ], zinc (Zn) [ 85 , 86 ], magnesium (Mg) [ 87 ], copper (Cu) [ 88 ], silver (Ag) or cobalt (Co) [ 89 ] can improve the physicochemical and biological properties of BG composites. For example, Ag or Mg nanoparticles have a strong inhibitory and bactericidal effect, and Co ions interfere in physiological process such as oxygen transport in blood.…”

Fabrication of Biodegradable and Biocompatible Functional Polymers for Anti-Infection and Augmenting Wound Repair

“…The experimental results showed that the addition of a small amount of GP (0.5%) to PCL filaments resulted in a significant increase in antimicrobial activity compared to the pure PCL. This is because the structure of the GP may cause damage to the cell membranes of microbes and thus eliminate them [ 54 ].…”

Fabrication of polycaprolactone/calcium phosphates hybrid scaffolds impregnated with plant extracts using 3D printing for potential bone regeneration

“…Colonization or infectious diseases are the most frequent complication in surgeries associated with antimicrobial resistance in hospitals [ 19 ]. Additionally, it is increasingly common to find bacteria resistant to traditional antibiotics giving rise to dangerous public health problem [ 12 ].…”