Work

Mechanical and antimicrobial properties of green and photoactive AgTiO 2 /poly(3hydroxybutyrate) ( PHB ) electrospun membranes

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: The rise of antibiotic‐resistant microbes and concerns over non‐biodegradable waste highlight the need for innovative materials with integrated functionalities that address these critical issues. In this study, we synthesized poly(3hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) electrospun nanofibers blended with gelatin (Ge) and loaded with photoactive AgTiO 2 nanoparticles with improved mechanical and biological properties. Biological tests revealed excellent antibacterial activity of the prepared membrane, with efficiency exceeding 99% against Escherichia coli and 95% against Staphylococcus epidermidis after 90 and 60 min of exposure to low‐power commercial LED lights, respectively. Filtration studies using a dead‐end stainless‐steel cell reveal that both bacteria are eliminated (>99% after one filtration cycle). Results of the viability test showed that blending PHB with Ge improves the membrane's anti‐biofouling properties. The membranes were also characterized using SEM and EDX mapping techniques for morphological and elemental analysis, DSC and TGA to evaluate thermal properties and crystallinity, and FTIR to confirm chemical structure. Moreover, the electrospun membranes exhibited enhanced mechanical properties with the addition of Ge. PHB/Ge/3 wt% AgTiO 2 sample showed 2.2 times better tensile strength and 1.89 times improved Young's modulus compared to PHB membranes. Finally, the breakdown of PHB/Ge/AgTiO 2 membranes occurred progressively over only 8 weeks, showing the membranes' green and sustainable nature. Highlights Antibacterial efficacy of 99% against E. coli and 95% against S. epidermidis . Microfiltration efficiency >99% achieved in one filtration cycle. Mechanical strength is enhanced by 2.2 times with the addition of gelatin. Effective anti‐biofouling is confirmed by CLSM and SEM tests. Membranes degraded within 8 weeks in natural soil.

Source: Polymer Engineering and Science

DOI: 10.1002/pen.27036

Authors: Safa Ladhari, Nhu‐Nang Vu, Alireza Saidi, Amine Aymen Assadi, Phuong Nguyen‐Tri

Institutions: Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail, Imam Mohammad ibn Saud Islamic University

Language: English

Topic: Electrospun Nanofibers in Biomedical Applications

Subfield: Biomaterials

Field: Materials Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Responsible consumption and production, Clean water and sanitation, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,070