Synthesis of Antibacterial Silver–Poly(ɛ-caprolactone)-Methacrylic Acid Graft Copolymer Nanofibers and Their Evaluation as Potential Wound Dressing

Abstract

Electrospun polycaprolacyone/polymethacrylic acid graft copolymer nanofibers (PCL/MAA) containing silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized for effective wound disinfection. Surface morphology, AgNPs content, water uptake of electrospun PCL/MAA graft copolymer nanofibers without and with AgNPs, and levels of AgNPs leaching from the nanofibers in water as well as antimicrobial efficacy were studied. Scanning electron microscope images revealed that AgNPs dispersed well in PCL/MAA copolymer nanofibers with mean fiber diameters in the range of 200-579 nm and the fiber uniformity and diameter were not affected by the AgNPs. TEM images showed that AgNPs are present in/on the electrospun PCL/MAA graft copolymer nanofibers. The diameter of the electrospun nanofibers containing AgNPs was in the range of 200-579 nm, however, the diameter of AgNPs was within the range of 20-50 nm and AgNPs were observed to be spherical in shape. The PCL/MAA copolymer nanofibers showed a good hydrophilic property and the nanofibers containing AgNPs had excellent antimicrobial activity against the Gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and against the Gram-positive bacteria Bacillus thuringiensis and Staphylococcus aureus, with a clear inhibition zone with a diameter between 22 and 53 mm. Moreover, electrospun PCL/MAA copolymer nanofibers sustained the release of AgNPs into water over 72 h.

Antioxidative study of Cerium Oxide nanoparticle functionalised PCL-Gelatin electrospun fibers for wound healing application

“…Nanofibers can also be functionalised with certain agents like drugs [29] , growth factors [30] and nanoparticles [31] that enhance the wound healing mechanism. Nanofibers incorporated with nanoparticles like silver [32] , [33] , [34] , [35] , zinc oxide, chitosan [36] , gold [37] , [38] , [39] have been assessed for wound healing applications. In a study using spirulina extract derived from blue-green algae as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent.…”

Hydroxypropyltrimethyl Ammonium Chloride Chitosan Functionalized-PLGA Electrospun Fibrous Membranes as Antibacterial Wound Dressing: In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation

“…During wound healing, infections caused by pathogens delay the closing of the wound and increase the healthcare burden [ 52 , 53 ]. Among a plethora of different antiseptics for wound care (mostly alcohols, hydrogen peroxide and iodine), there have already been attempts to load silver into electrospun nanofibers [ 54 ].…”

Polydopamine-Based Surface Modification of ZnO Nanoparticles on Sericin/Polyvinyl Alcohol Composite Film for Antibacterial Application

“…It is also necessary for wound dressing to absorb the wound exudate in a timely manner, and at the same time to adequately maintain a moist environment to promote wound healing and reduce scarring formation [1]. Finally, some antibacterial properties are needed to prevent wound infection [2,3]. To meet the requirement of novel wound dressing, it is necessary to find natural materials with good hydrophilicity and biocompatibility that could be alternative candidates to traditional wound dressing.…”