The PLA-Ag NPs/PU bicomponent nanofiber production for wound dressing applications: Investigation of core/shell displacement effect on antibacterial, cytotoxicity, mechanical, and surface properties

In this study, pure polyurethane (PU) and poly (lactic) acid-silver nanoparticle (PLA-Ag NP) bicomponent nanofibers were successfully obtained alternately by using in the core or shell with coaxial electrospinning. The effects of displacements in the core and shell of fibers on the characterization, antibacterial, and cytotoxicity properties of whole bicomponent fibers were examined in detail. Using PLA-Ag NPs in the core, produced bicomponent mats that were thinner whereas locating PLA-Ag NPs to the shell, obtained bicomponent nanofibers that were more hydrophobic. TEM and FTIR analysis proved that PLA-Ag NPs and pure PU are obtained as a bicomponent structure without mixing with each other. When pure PU was used in the core, bicomponent mats showed high elasticity and strength. As the Ag NPs ratio in the core has increased, the viability of the mouse fibroblast cell line (L929) also has increased. The bicomponent nanofiber with 10% Ag NP in its core has supported cell growth and has shown a high antibacterial effect against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This study reported that prepared mats could be used as an antibacterial wound dressing, especially for dry wounds, if renewed every 24 hours.

Automated summary

In this study, bicomponent nanofibers of pure polyurethane (PU) and poly (lactic) acid-silver nanoparticle (PLA-Ag NP) were successfully obtained using coaxial electrospinning. The displacement of the core and shell of the fibers had significant effects on the characterization, antibacterial properties, and cytotoxicity of the bicomponent fibers. The bicomponent nanofibers with PLA-Ag NPs in the core were thinner, while those with PLA-Ag NPs in the shell were more hydrophobic.