Electrospun Copoly(ether imide) Nanofibers Doped with Silver-Loaded Zeolite as Materials for Biomedical Applications

Abstract

One of the most versatile techniques to fabricate micro-/nanoscaled nonwoven fibrous materials is represented by electrospinning. Due to its easy availability and versatility, increasing efforts worldwide have focused on the preparation of natural and/or synthetic composite membranes that eventually mimic the artificial extracellular matrix. Electrospun composite membranes based on copoly(ether imide)s derived from Jeffamine, and additionally doped with silverloaded zeolite L nanoparticles (ze-Ag + ), have been successfully produced in the present work via a solution electrospinning process. The morphology of the developed electrospun membranes based on pure copoly(ether imide)s (co-PEI-0) and doped copoly(ether imide)s (co-PEI-0/zeolite or co-PEI-0/silver-containing zeolite L nanoparticles) was investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), while the homogeneous distribution of the nanoparticles within the electrospun fibers has been introspected by means of energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). Young's modulus was reduced from 0.677 MPa for pure co-PEI electrospun fibers to 0.221 MPa when silver-loaded zeolite L nanoparticles were attached to the electrospun composite membranes. Antimicrobial activity of the products demonstrated that the samples containing silver-exchanged zeolite L nanoparticles present an inhibitory effect against both Gram-negative (Escherichia coli ATCC 25922) and Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923) bacteria. Furthermore, a biocompatibility check by studying the cell viability and cell morphology of the developed composite membranes revealed no cytotoxic activity.

Tailoring Thermal and Electrical Properties of Jeffamine Segmented Polyetherimide Composite Films Containing BaTiO3 particles

“…Polyimides and PEIs containing Jeffamine segments have been prepared and characterized. They have potential applications as materials with high dielectric constant [ 8 ], membranes for gas separation [ 9 , 10 ], hydrophilic polyimides for microfiltration [ 11 ], materials for lithium polymer batteries [ 12 ], or materials for biomedical applications [ 13 , 14 ]. The thermal stability and toxicity of the volatiles eliminated during thermal decomposition of polymeric materials are very important because they dictate the possible applications and can give an indication of the influence they have on the environment in case of fire.…”

Simultaneous Enhancement of Flame Resistance and Antimicrobial Activity in Epoxy Nanocomposites Containing Phosphorus and Silver-Based Additives

“…Ze-Ag was then prepared by subjecting 1.5 g silylated zeolite L to a 0.1 N aqueous solution of AgNO 3 (30 mL) at 70 • C for 6 h, while keeping it away from light. Zeolite L and Ze-Ag were prepared following the previously published procedure [34].…”

“…The resulting polymer composites exhibited antimicrobial activity and low cytotoxicity [33]. Moreover, recently, electrospun composite membranes based on copoly(ether imide)s generated from Jeffamine and further doped with silver-loaded zeolite L nanoparticles have been successfully produced and characterized [34].…”

Silver/Hydrogen-Exchanged Zeolites Embedded in Modified Polyethylene Blends for Antibacterial Packaging with Prolonged Color Stability

“…32 Silver cation-containing zeolite shows significant antibacterial activity, although neat zeolites are not active against microorganisms. 33,34 Incorporation of silverloaded zeolite into packaging films will improve their potential through a rational Ag diffusion rate (lower release) than the neat film containing Ag nanoparticles. 35 Clinoptilolite, a common natural zeolite belonging to the heulandite (HEU) group, has high exchange capacities, unique nanoscale pores, availability, low cost, nonreactive nature, and environmental compatibility and has been widely used in various applications.…”

“…In the case of free antimicrobial agents, their burst release will limit their long-term antimicrobial behavior for practical applications. , Therefore, exploiting appropriate carriers such as zeolite for hosting antimicrobial agents (such as silver) could protect them and provide a controlled release profile for long-term applications . Silver cation-containing zeolite shows significant antibacterial activity, although neat zeolites are not active against microorganisms. , Incorporation of silver-loaded zeolite into packaging films will improve their potential through a rational Ag diffusion rate (lower release) than the neat film containing Ag nanoparticles …”