ANTIMICROBIAL PROPERTIES OF polymeric NANOFIBRouS membranes COntaining FERROUS SULPHATE

Abstract

This paper reposts on nanofibers of polymers doped with ferrous sulphate (FeSO4) possibly in combination with quaternary ammonium salt (QAS) prepared by electrospinning. Three types of polymers (polyvinylidene fluoride/PVDF, polylactic acid/PLA and polyurethane/PU) with good electrospinning processability and good mechanical properties of nanofibers were chosen. The prepared nanofibrous membranes were characterised in terms of morphology of the fibres assessed by SEM, and the pore sizes were determined by porometry. The leaching test showed a firm anchoring of the additive in the nanofiber structure. Antimicrobial activity was monitored after 0 h, 4 h and 24 h using Staphylococcus aureus (CCM 4516) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (CCM 4415) strains. Furthermore, aerosol filtration efficycy was dermined and also quality factor of filtration.The membrane prepared from PU doped with FeSO4 showed the best antibacterial efficiency. The porosity and morphology of the nanofibrous membrane effectively contributed to the trapping of microorganisms. This system was also evaluated as the most suitable for the electrospinning process from the effectivity point of view. Spinning ang dopping process of preparation is easily applicatbole to the the industrial conditions of production which is very importatnt aspect of this submitted scientifique work.