Antibacterial Properties of Sol-Gel Biomaterials with Different Percentages of PEG or PCL

The aim of this work is the synthesis of antibacterial biomedical implants using sol-gel method. Different percentages (6, 12, 24, 50 wt%) of polyethylene glycol (PEG) or poly(epsilon-caprolactone) (PCL) are embedded in the silica matrix; subsequently, high amounts of chlorogenic acid (CGA 20 wt%) are added to SiO2/PEG and SiO2/PCL sol. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy is used to evaluate the interactions among different organic and inorganic phases in the hybrid materials. Furthermore, in order to study the potential antibacterial properties of the materials, two different bacterial strains are used and the diameter of zone of inhibition is observed. CGA is a natural product that is present in coffee beans, as well as tea leaves, grapes, and apples. This natural molecule is added to sol-gel materials due to its many health-promoting properties.