PLLA microcapsules combined with silver nanoparticles and chlorhexidine acetate showing improved antibacterial effect

In this study, composite antibacterial microcapsules combining of two antibacterial agents: chlorhexidine acetate and silver nanoparticle were prepared. The chlorhexidine acetate was encapsulated inside of the microcapsules and nano-sized silver particles were modified on the surface of microcapsules by electrostatic adsorption methods. Results show that this method decreases the silver usage dramatically, and promises a sustained antibacterial effect >30 days. These microcapsules can also be modified on the surface of polymer films easily, which demonstrated the potential in functionalizing the implanted materials with antibacterial property. (C) 2017 Published by Elsevier B.V.