Porosity and pore size regulated the degradation rate and the release of low molar mass degradation products from porous polylactide (PLA) scaffolds. PLA scaffolds with porosities above 90% and different pore size ranges were subjected to hydrolytic degradation and compared to their solid analog. The solid film degraded fastest and the degradation rate of the porous structures decreased with decreasing pore size. Degradation products were detected earlier from the solid films compared to the porous structures as a result of the additional migration path within the porous structures. An intermediate degradation rate profile was observed when the pore size range was broadened. The morphology of the scaffolds changed during hydrolysis where the larger pore size scaffolds showed sharp pore edges and cavities on the scaffold surface. In the scaffolds with smaller pores, the pore size decreased during degradation and a solid surface was formed on the top of the scaffold. Porosity and pore size, thus, influenced the degradation and the release of degradation products that should be taken into consideration when designing porous scaffolds for tissue engineering.
Zinc oxide, an established inorganic metal oxide in nanoparticles form exhibits tremendous anti-bacterial activity. The present study focuses on determining the anti-bacterial activity of green synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs). Results clearly validate the effective synthesis of spherical shaped nanoparticles with average size range of 60–80 nm. SEM and EDAX data buttresses the results obtained by XRD pattern in terms of size and purity. ZnO NPs exhibited dose-dependent anti-bacterial activity against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and the IC50 value was calculated to be around 20 μg/mL. Growth kinetics study was conducted in the presence of nanoparticles which demonstrated the bacteriostatic effect of ZnO NPs. The study recommends the potential use of ZnO NPs in industries like food, pharmaceutical, agriculture, cosmetic industries for its anti-bacterial activity.
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