Controlling the Porosity and Biocidal Properties of the Chitosan-Hyaluronate Matrix Hydrogel Nanocomposites by the Addition of 2D Ti3C2Tx MXene

Abstract

A recent discovery of the unique biological properties of two-dimensional transition metal carbides (MXenes) resulted in intensive research on their application in various biotechnological areas, including polymeric nanocomposite systems. However, the true potential of MXene as an additive to bioactive natural porous composite structures has yet to be fully explored. Here, we report that the addition of 2D Ti3C2Tx MXene by reducing the porosity of the chitosan-hyaluronate matrix nanocomposite structures, stabilized by vitamin C, maintains their desired antibacterial properties. This was confirmed by micro computed tomography (micro-CT) visualization which enables insight into the porous structure of nanocomposites. It was also found that given large porosity of the nanocomposite a small amount of MXene (1–5 wt.%) was effective against gram-negative Escherichia coli, gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus sp. bacteria in a hydrogel system. Such an approach unequivocally advances the future design approaches of modern wound healing dressing materials with the addition of MXenes.

Biomedical Applications of MXene‐Integrated Composites: Regenerative Medicine, Infection Therapy, Cancer Treatment, and Biosensing

“…In another study, 2D Ti 3 C 2 T x MXene flakes were prepared and incorporated into a chitosan‐hyaluronate (CH/SHA/Ti 3 C 2 T x ) matrix. [ 39 ] The impact of a composite containing varying concentrations of MXene was investigated using three bacterial strains, i.e., gram‐negative E. coli , gram‐positive S. aureus , and Bacillus sp . The results showed that the biocidal property of the nanocomposites with varying amounts of MXene depended on the type of bacteria.…”

MXene (Ti3C2Tx)-Embedded Nanocomposite Hydrogels for Biomedical Applications: A Review

“…The weight gain for the 8 BL coating of PUF was only 6.9% because to the use of ultra-thin Ti 3 C 2 nanosheets, which minimized the negative influence on the intrinsic attributes of PUF. PUF’s flammability and smoke emissions were dramatically reduced by the Ti 3 C 2 /chitosan coating [ 69 ].…”

“… SEM and micro-CT images for the ( A , E ) reference CH/SHA matrix nanocomposite and modified with ( B , F ) 1 wt.%, ( C , G ) 5 wt.% and ( D , H ) 10 wt.% of 2D Ti 3 C 2 T x MXene lakes [ 69 ]. …”

Anodic Electrodeposition of Chitosan–AgNP Composites Using In Situ Coordination with Copper Ions

“…To improve antibacterial functionality, CS films are usually deposited as composites, combining chitosan with inorganic and metallic particles [ 2 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 ]. The best antibacterial performance has been achieved for the CS–silver nanoparticle (AgNP) composites [ 16 , 19 , 20 , 21 ].…”