Polybiguanide (PHMB) loaded in PLA scaffolds displaying high hydrophobic, biocompatibility and antibacterial properties

Abstract

Polyhexamethylenebiguanide hydrochloride (PHMB), a low molecular weight polymer related to chlorohexidine (CHX), is a well-known antibacterial agent. In this study, polylactide (PLA) nanofibers loaded with PHMB were produced by electrospinning to obtain 3D biodegradable scaffolds with antibacterial properties. PLA fibers loaded with CHX were used as control. The electrospun fibers were studied and analyzed by SEM, FTIR, DSC and contact angle measurements. PHMB and CHX release from loaded scaffolds was evaluated, as well as their antibacterial activity and biocompatibility. The results showed that the nanofibers became smoother and their diameter smaller with increasing the amount of loaded PHMB. This feature led to an increase of both surface roughness and hydrophobicity of the scaffold. PHMB release was highly dependent on the hydrophilicity of the medium and differed from that determined for CHX. Lastly, PHMB-loaded PLA scaffolds showed antibacterial properties since they inhibited adhesion and bacterial growth, and exhibited biocompatible characteristics for the adhesion and proliferation of both fibroblast and epithelial cell lines.

Enhancing the Hydrophilicity and Cell Attachment of 3D Printed PCL/Graphene Scaffolds for Bone Tissue Engineering

“…As previously reported [28,29], the contact angle indicates the wettability of the material surface, indicating hydrophilic/hydrophobic characteristics of the material. In general, a contact angle above 90° corresponds to a hydrophobic surface, while a contact angle value below 90° represents a hydrophilic surface.…”

Advanced Therapeutic Dressings for Effective Wound Healing—A Review

“…The persistent emergence of antibiotic‐resistant strains of pathogens, together with the reduced rate of new antibiotics coming through the drug discovery pipeline has resulted in the need for alternative treatments to manage wound infections more effectively. To overcome this problem, novel dressings containing nonantibiotic compounds (e.g., silver and plants) are continually developed and their use can enhance the antimicrobial activities of dressings, limiting the occurrence of antimicrobial resistance …”

“…In a study comparing electrospinned polylactide (PLA) nanofibers loaded with either PHMB or chlorhexidine, it was shown that the nanofibers became smoother and their diameter smaller with increasing amount of PHMB with a resultant increase in surface roughness and hydrophobicity of the scaffold . The PHMB‐loaded PLA scaffolds showed antibacterial properties by inhibiting adhesion and bacterial growth and at the same time exhibited biocompatible characteristics that allowed cell adhesion and proliferation of fibroblasts and epithelial cells in vitro . In a randomized clinical trial, comparing the effectiveness of bio‐cellulose dressing containing PHMB with silver sulfadiazine cream, in partial thickness burns, the former showed faster and better reduction in pain compared with the silver sulfadiazine cream.…”

Plasticizing effect of biobased epoxidized fatty acid esters on mechanical and thermal properties of poly(lactic acid)

“…PLA is also biocompatible and resorbable so that it finds increasing applications in the medical sector for controlled drug delivery [5] and tissue engineering [6][7][8][9][10].…”