The Effect of Antibacterial Particle Incorporation on the Mechanical Properties, Biodegradability, and Biocompatibility of PLA and PHBV Composites

Abstract

The composites based on polylactide (PLA) and poly (3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐3‐hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) with the addition of antibacterial particles: silver (Ag) and copper oxide (CuO) are characterized. Basic mechanical properties and biodegradation processes, as well as biocompatibility of materials with human cells are determined. The addition of Ag or CuO to the polymers do not significantly affect their mechanical properties, flammability, or biodegradation rate. However, several differences between the base materials are observed. PLA‐based composites have higher tensile and impact strength values, while PHBV‐based ones have a higher modulus of elasticity, as well as better mechanical properties at elevated temperatures. Concerning biocompatibility, each of the tested materials support the growth of fibroblasts over time, although large differences are observed in the initial cell attachment. The analysis of hydrolytic degradation effects on the structure of materials shows that PHBV degrades much faster than PLA. The results of this study confirm the good potential of the investigated biodegradable polymer composites with antibacterial particles for future biomedical applications.

Composite P(3HB-3HV)-CS Spheres for Enhanced Antibiotic Efficiency

“…Individual and overlapped IR spectra ( Figure 2 a–c, respectively) were recorded from different points for all synthesized spheres. The presence of P(3HB-3HV) was confirmed through the following absorption bands: ~1720 cm −1 (strong stretching vibrations of C=O ester group, particularly associated with the crystalline phase of copolymer), ~1378 cm −1 (symmetric expansion of CH 3 groups), ~1276 cm −1 (C–H stretching), ~1054 cm −1 (C–O–C stretching vibrations) and ~978 cm −1 (C–C stretching) [ 72 , 73 ], all evidenced in Figure 2 b. Being the main constituent of proposed spheres, the IR maxima identified for P(3HB-3HV) covered some of the IR bands of CS, such as ~1378 cm −1 (overlapped C–N stretching and C–H asymmetric bending) and ~1054 cm −1 (C–O–C stretching vibrations).…”

The Study of Physico-Mechanical Properties of Polylactide Composites with Different Level of Infill Produced by the FDM Method

“…These are very important factors that make it necessary to focus on this polymer during engineering design. In the case of biodegradation, PLA can be subjected to industrial composting, which makes PLA degradable in 100% [ 52 , 53 , 54 ]. Hydrolytic degradation is the basis for the recycling.…”

Extruded PLA Nanocomposites Modified by Graphene Oxide and Ionic Liquid

“…Polylactic acid (PLA) is an aliphatic polyester which is synthesized by condensation of lactic acid. This material is a bio-based thermoplastic which is biodegradable and biocompatible due to its low toxicity [ 5 , 6 , 7 ]. It has been extensively used in biomedical applications [ 8 , 9 ], protection of crops [ 10 ], and food packaging [ 11 , 12 ].…”