Electrospun Polylactic Acid-Based Fibers Loaded with Multifunctional Antibacterial Biobased Polymers

Abstract

Here, we report the development of antibacterial and compostable electrospun polylactic acid (PLA) fibers by incorporation of a multifunctional biobased polymer in the process. The multifunctional polymer was synthesized from the biosourced itaconic acid building block by radical polymerization followed by click chemistry reaction with hydantoin groups. The resulting polymer possesses triazole and hydantoin groups available for further N-alkylation and chlorination reaction, which provide antibacterial activity. This polymer was added to the electrospinning PLA solution at 10 wt %, and fiber mats were successfully prepared. The obtained fibers were surface-modified through the accessible functional groups, leading to the corresponding cationic triazolium and N-halamine groups. The fibers with both antibacterial functionalities demonstrated high antibacterial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. While the fibers with cationic surface groups are only effective against Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus aureus), upon chlorination, the activity against Gram-negative Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa is significantly improved. In addition, the compostability of the electrospun fibers was tested under industrial composting conditions, showing that the incorporation of the antibacterial polymer does not impede the disintegrability of the material. Overall, this study demonstrates the feasibility of this biobased multifunctional polymer as an antibacterial agent for biodegradable polymeric materials with potential application in medical uses.

Photocured Poly(Mannitol Sebacate) with Functional Methacrylic Monomer: Analysis of Physical, Chemical, and Biological Properties

“…As the main aim of this work was to obtain active systems with potential applications in biomedicine, the resulting networks functionalized with thiazole groups were quaternized by an N-alkylation reaction to provided thiazolium moieties with a permanent cationic charge and thus impart antimicrobial activity [ 30 , 39 ]. It is important to note that the quaternized MTA monomer provokes incompatibility with PMS-Ac and, therefore, an unsuccessful crosslinking.…”

Recent progress in biobased synthetic textile fibers

“…In addition, in the antibacterial study of the yarn, it can inhibit 99.99%, 99.99%, and 99.31% of Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Candida albicans, respectively. Chiloeches et al (2022) prepared antibacterial and compostable PLA-based fibers. They synthesized a polyitaconate containing nitrogen and N-haloamines groups, mixed it with PLA solution and electrospun them to give PLA fiber antibacterial activity as shown in Figure 8.…”

Design and Development of Robust, Daylight-Activated, and Rechargeable Biocidal Polymeric Films as Promising Active Food Packaging Materials

“…15−19 However, the leaching of conventional agents and the release of free chlorine from the materials pose a serious threat to human health and the environment. 20,21 Lately, photodynamic inactivation, a relatively novel technology, has emerged as a potential option for preventing microbial inhibition and preserving food quality and shelf-life. 22 Nowadays, photoactive compounds have garnered considerable interest in the development of food packaging films because of their capability to produce oxidative biocide-reactive oxygen species (ROS) in many polymeric materials, durability for repeated uses, and lower-toxicity suitable for food contacts.…”

“…Increased foodborne microbial illness has raised global concerns because it causes millions of deaths every year and continues to severely jeopardize public health worldwide. − Consequently, this has motivated massive scientific research and investment in the design and development of novel and versatile antimicrobial materials to overcome microbial invasions and for preventing pathogenic infections. − Controlling bacterial infections is critical not only for preventing global outbreaks but also for applications ranging from health care to improving daily life quality. , Over the past few years, there has been a significant increase in consumer interest in high-quality and safe food products. , Different strategies have been applied to develop new polymeric materials by incorporating antimicrobial agents to minimize the proliferation of microbes observed on various food packages. , Blending of polymers with conventional antibacterial agents has gained wide attention and has been applied to inhibit microbial growth in food products. , Data from previous studies clearly show that polymers can be functionalized with N-halamine precursors and related compounds, which could be a useful tool for the decontamination of food pathogens such as Listeria, yeasts, molds, and mesophiles found on solid surfaces. − However, the leaching of conventional agents and the release of free chlorine from the materials pose a serious threat to human health and the environment. , Lately, photodynamic inactivation, a relatively novel technology, has emerged as a potential option for preventing microbial inhibition and preserving food quality and shelf-life . Nowadays, photoactive compounds have garnered considerable interest in the development of food packaging films because of their capability to produce oxidative biocide-reactive oxygen species (ROS) in many polymeric materials, durability for repeated uses, and lower-toxicity suitable for food contacts .…”