Polyacrylonitrile nanofibers coated with silver nanoparticles using a modified coaxial electrospinning process

Abstract

Background:The objective of this investigation was to develop a new class of antibacterial material in the form of nanofibers coated with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using a modified coaxial electrospinning approach. Through manipulation of the distribution on the surface of nanofibers, the antibacterial effect of Ag can be improved substantially. Methods: Using polyacrylonitrile (PAN) as the filament-forming polymer matrix, an electrospinnable PAN solution was prepared as the core fluid. A silver nitrate (AgNO 3 ) solution was exploited as sheath fluid to carry out the modified coaxial electrospinning process under varied sheath-to-core flow rate ratios. Results: Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy demonstrated that the sheath AgNO 3 solution can take a role in reducing the nanofibers' diameters significantly, a sheath-to-core flow rate ratio of 0.1 and 0.2 resulting in PAN nanofibers with diameters of 380 ± 110 nm and 230 ± 70 nm respectively. AgNPs are well distributed on the surface of PAN nanofibers. The antibacterial experiments demonstrated that these nanofibers show strong antimicrobial activities against Bacillus subtilis Wb800, and Escherichia coli dh5α. Conclusion: Coaxial electrospinning with AgNO 3 solution as sheath fluid not only facilitates the electrospinning process, providing nanofibers with reduced diameters, but also allows functionalization of the nanofibers through coating with functional ingredients, effectively ensuring that the active antibacterial component is on the surface of the material, which leads to enhanced activity. We report an example of the systematic design, preparation, and application of a novel type of antibacterial material coated with AgNPs via a modified coaxial electrospinning methodology.

Fabrication and characterization of anisotropic nanofiber scaffolds for advanced drug delivery systems

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Silver nanoparticle/chitosan oligosaccharide/poly(vinyl alcohol) nanofibers as wound dressings: a preclinical study

“…10 AgNPs interact with the sulfur-containing proteins in bacterial membranes and phosphorus-containing compounds, such as DNA, within bacterial cells. As a result, AgNPs are effective antiseptic agents for controlling broad-spectrum microbes and antibiotic-resistant bacteria in vitro, [11][12][13] reducing the potential for bacterial resistance more efficiently than antibiotics. Taken together, the incorporation of AgNPs into wound dressings containing PVA and COS creates a promising candidate for wound management.…”

Effect of silk fibroin nanofibers containing silver sulfadiazine on wound healing

“…Many factors affect the clinical performance of a dressing, such as the Ag content, the chemical and physical forms of Ag, the distribution of Ag, and its affinity for moisture. 8,12 The number of commercially available Ag-based dressings has increased recently in the medical market.…”