Bifunctional electrospun poly (L-lactic acid) membranes incorporating black phosphorus nanosheets and nano-zinc oxide for enhanced biocompatibility and antibacterial properties in catheter materials

For several decades, urinary tract infections caused by catheter-associated devices have negatively impacted not only medical device utilization, but also patient health. As such, the creation of catheter materials with both superior biocompatibility and antibacterial properties has become necessary. This study aimed to produce electrospun membranes based on polylactic acid (PLA) with the incorporation of black phosphorus nanosheets (BPNS) and nano-zinc oxide (nZnO) particles, as well as a mixture of both, in order to design bifunctional membranes with enhanced bioactivity and antibacterial features. The optimum spinning process was determined through examination of various PLA mass concentrations, spinning solution propelling speeds, and receiving drum rotating speeds, with emphasis on the mechanical properties of PLA membranes. Additionally, the anti-bacterial properties and cytocompatibility of the ZnO-BP/PLA antibacterial membranes were explored. Results demonstrated that the ZnO-BP/PLA antibacterial membranes displayed a rich porous structure, with uniform distribution of nZnO particles and BPNS. With the increase of polylactic acid concentration and the decrease of spinning solution advancing and drum rotation speeds, the mechanical properties of the fiber membrane were significantly improved. Furthermore, the composite membranes exhibited remarkable photothermal therapy (PTT) capabilities when aided by the synergistic effect of BP nanosheets and ZnO. This was achieved through near-infrared (NIR) irradiation, which not only dissipated the biofilm but also enhanced the release capability of Zn2+. Consequently, the composite membrane demonstrated an improved inhibitory effect on both Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The results of cytotoxicity and adhesion experiments also indicated good cyto-compatibility, with cells growing normally on the surface of the ZnO-BP/PLA antibacterial membrane. Overall, these findings validate the utilization of both BPNS and n-ZnO fillers in the creation of novel bifunctional PLA-based membranes, which possess both biocompatibility and antibacterial properties for interventional catheter materials.

Automated summary

This study aimed to design bifunctional electrospun membranes based on polylactic acid (PLA) with the incorporation of black phosphorus nanosheets (BPNS) and nano-zinc oxide (nZnO) particles for enhanced bioactivity and antibacterial features. The optimal spinning process was determined, and the mechanical properties of the PLA membranes were improved by increasing PLA concentration and decreasing spinning solution and drum rotation speeds. The composite membranes exhibited remarkable photothermal therapy capabilities and an improved inhibitory effect on both Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The cytotoxicity and adhesion experiments also indicated good cyto-compatibility. Overall, the utilization of BPNS and n-ZnO fillers in PLA-based membranes showed great potential for interventional catheter materials.