Bacteriostatic Behavior of PLA-BaTiO3 Composite Fibers Synthesized by Centrifugal Spinning and Subjected to Aging Test

Abstract

The present work investigated the effect of Polylactic acid (PLA) fibers produced by centrifugal spinning with incorporated BaTiO3 particles to improve their bacteriostatic behavior. The PLA matrix and three composites, presenting three different amounts of fillers, were subjected to UV/O3 treatment monitoring the possible modifications that occurred over time. The morphological and physical properties of the surfaces were characterized by different microscopic techniques, contact angle, and surface potential measurements. Subsequently, the samples were tested in vitro with human dermal fibroblasts (HDF) to verify the cytotoxicity of the substrates. No significant differences between the PLA matrix and composites emerged; the high hydrophobicity of the fibers, derived by the polymer structure, represented an obstacle limiting the fibroblast attachment. Samples underwent bacterial exposure (Staphylococcus epidermidis) for 12 and 24 h. Increasing the concentration of BT, the number of living bacteria and their distribution decreased in comparison with the PLA matrix suggesting an effect of the inorganic filler, which generates a neutralization effect leading to reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and subsequently to bacterial damages. These results suggest that the barium titanate (BT) fillers clearly improve the antibacterial properties of PLA fibers after aging tests made before bacterial exposure, representing a potential candidate in the creation of composites for medical applications.

A Comprehensive Review on Barium Titanate Nanoparticles as a Persuasive Piezoelectric Material for Biomedical Applications: Prospects and Challenges

“…The PLA coated BaTiO 3 NPs have shown dose dependent response on the growth of Staphylococcus epidermidis . [ 116 ] In addition to the antimicrobial properties, there have been reports on the biological responses of BaTiO 3 NPs which is dependent on the size and surface properties of the fabricated nanoparticles. BaTiO 3 NPs are susceptible to produce oxidative stress in the cancerous cells as reported by Ahamed et al by studying the interaction of BaTiO 3 NPs with human lung carcinoma (A549) cells.…”

Chemical upcycling of polylactide (PLA) and its use in fabricating PLA-based super-hydrophobic and oleophilic electrospun nanofibers for oil absorption and oil/water separation

“…54–56 Under UV-ozone exposure, neat PLA fiber mats started to show insignificant changes in structure and morphology at the exposure time of 5 min. 57,58 The fiber mats exhibited negligible changes when placed at a pH range of 4.5–6.8 for 46 days. 52,53,59 Hydrophobic PLA fiber mats also showed good hydrolytic resistance even under pH values 11 and 3 because of their high resistance to hydroxide penetration.…”

High-Speed Centrifugal Spinning Polymer Slip Mechanism and PEO/PVA Composite Fiber Preparation

“…It is possible to control the porosity and diameter of polymer fibers by varying the nozzle geometry, rotational speed, and polymer solution. In addition, the high rotational speed facilitates fast and scalable fiber fabrication, significantly increasing the productivity [27]. In the early stages of hydrodynamic development, a few simple experimental observations were consistent with the assumption of no slip, so the slip phenomenon received li le further a ention.…”

“…It is possible to control the porosity and diameter of polymer fibers by varying the nozzle geometry, rotational speed, and polymer solution. In addition, the high rotational speed facilitates fast and scalable fiber fabrication, significantly increasing the productivity [ 27 ].…”