PLA and PBAT‐Based Electrospun Fibers Functionalized with Antibacterial Bio‐Based Polymers

Abstract

Antimicrobial fibers based on biodegradable polymers, poly(lactic acid) (PLA), and poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) (PBAT) are prepared by electrospinning. For this purpose, a biodegradable/bio‐based polyitaconate containing azoles groups (PTTI) is incorporated at 10 wt.% into the electrospinning formulations. The resulting fibers functionalized with azole moieties are uniform and free of beads. Then, the accessible azole groups are subjected to N‐alkylation, treatment that provides cationic azolium groups with antibacterial activity at the surface of fibers. The positive charge density, roughness, and wettability of the cationic fibers are evaluated and compared with flat films. It is confirmed that these parameters exert an important effect on the antimicrobial properties, as well as the length of the alkylating agent and the hydrophobicity of the matrix. The quaternized PLA/PTTI fibers exhibit the highest efficiency against the tested bacteria, yielding a 4‐Log reduction against S. aureus and 1.7‐Log against MRSA. Then, biocompatibility and bioactivity of the fibers are evaluated in terms of adhesion, morphology and viability of fibroblasts. The results show no cytotoxic effect of the samples, however, a cytostatic effect is appreciated, which is ascribed to the strong electrostatic interactions between the positive charge at the fiber surface and the negative charge of the cell membranes.

Synergistic Combination of Antimicrobial Peptides and Cationic Polyitaconates in Multifunctional PLA Fibers

“…Electrospinning solutions were prepared by dissolving 90 wt % of PLA and 10 wt % of polyitaconate derivative PTTIQ in a mixture of CHCl 3 /DMF (90/10 v/v) at a concentration of 20% w/w. We have selected the composition of the fiber mats based on previous works. , PLA solutions were also prepared and used as a blank sample. These solutions were utilized to produce electrospun polymeric fibers by using a custom-made electrospinner with a horizontal configuration.…”

“…We have selected the composition of the fiber mats based on previous works. 4 , 5 PLA solutions were also prepared and used as a blank sample. These solutions were utilized to produce electrospun polymeric fibers by using a custom-made electrospinner with a horizontal configuration.…”

“…In various biomedical applications, including wound dressings, biobased and biodegradable polymers with antimicrobial properties have been successfully incorporated into electrospun fibers. − Generally, these antimicrobial polymers possess cationic characteristics and exert their antimicrobial activity through contact interactions rather than release-based strategies. This mechanism involves electrostatic interactions with microbial membranes, leading to physical damage to the bacterial wall.…”

Biodegradable nanocomposites prepared from poly(butylene adipate terephthalate) and silver nanoparticles for applications as disposable medical equipments

“…Various synthetic polymers such as polylactide (PLA), polybutylene succinate (PBS), polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), and poly(ɛ‐caprolactone) (PCL) have been investigated due to their advantages such as biodegradability, environmental friendliness, good mechanical properties, and processability 7,8 . Among them, PBAT attracted great interest because it combines the good biodegradability and flexibility of aliphatic polyesters with the good mechanical properties and heat resistance of aromatic polyesters 9,10 . Actually, PBAT is a widely used as a biodegradable plastic under the trade name of Ecoflex® for many applications, especially in the food packaging and agricultural sectors.…”

Preparation and Antibacterial Properties of PLA-Based Composite Nanofiber Membrane Material Loaded with Cationic Antibacterial Agent by Electrospinning

“…Lu et al [20] prepared double-network adhesive hydrogels based on cellulose and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA)-cation copolymer, which exhibited good rapid hemostatic ability and antibacterial activity. Chiloeches et al [21] added a biodegradable/biobased poly (PTTI) containing azoles functional groups in a proportion of 10% by weight into the electrospinning formulation. The fibers with azole salt groups exhibited excellent antibacterial activity.…”