Piezoelectric antibacterial fabric comprised of poly(l-lactic acid) yarn

Abstract

A lactic acid monomer has an asymmetric carbon in the molecule, so there are optical isomer l- and d-type. The most widely used poly(lactic acid) (PLA) for commercial applications is poly(l-lactic acid) (PLLA). PLLA is the polymerization product of l-lactide. Certain treatments of PLLA can yield a film that exhibits shear piezoelectricity. Thus, piezoelectric PLLA fiber can be generated by micro slitting piezoelectric PLLA films or by a melt spinning method. We prepared left-handed helical multi fiber yarn (S-yarn) and right-handed helical yarn (Z-yarn) using piezoelectric PLLA fiber. PLLA exhibited shear mode piezoelectricity, causing the electric polarity of the yarn surface to be reversed on the S-yarn and Z-yarn when tension was applied. An SZ-yarn was produced by combining the S-yarn and Z-yarn, and fabric was prepared using the SZ-yarn. This study demonstrated that the fabric has a strong antibacterial effect, which is thought to be due to the strong electric field between the yarns. The field is generated by a piezoelectric effect when the fabric was extended and contracted.

Advances in Piezoelectric Polymer Composites for Energy Harvesting Applications: A Systematic Review

“…Furthermore, in 2017, Ando et al . attempted the preparation of piezoelectric PLLA fabric from poly( l ‐lactic acid) yarns.…”

Hybrid lead-free polymer-based nanocomposites with improved piezoelectric response for biomedical energy-harvesting applications: A review

“…Piezoelectric polymers such as PLLA, even those that do not contain piezoceramics with a strong piezoelectric performance, can also create ROS species that effectively kill bacteria, e.g. staphylococcus aureus [228]. Moreover, M. Ando et al reported the strong electric field generated between PLLA yarns could inhibit bacteria via electroporation [228].…”

“…staphylococcus aureus [228]. Moreover, M. Ando et al reported the strong electric field generated between PLLA yarns could inhibit bacteria via electroporation [228]. Also, the electrical current transported via humidity between yarns, fibres, or NPs of piezoceramics can affect the antibacterial activity, as bacterial damage due to electrical current has been reported [229].…”

“…Additionally, bacteria utilize an electron transport system to produce vital energy. Therefore, the operation of this system can be inhibited by an external electric field or current, killing or damaging the bacteria [228].…”

Energy Harvesting Materials and Structures for Smart Textile Applications: Recent Progress and Path Forward

“…For instance, poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) exhibits shear piezoelectricity when the PLLA molecules are oriented uniaxially by drawing or elongation and crystallized by heat treatment. Piezoelectric PLLA fibers can be prepared by micro slitting the piezoelectric PLLA film or directly by melt spinning [ 71 ]. A fabric was knitted with SZ yarns made by combining left-handed (S-yarn) and right-handed (Z-yarn) helical multi fiber yarns.…”