Polymer-Based Electrophoretic Deposition of Nonwovens for Medical Applications: The Effect of Carrier Structure, Solution, and Process Parameters

Abstract

Hyaluronate and alginate are non-toxic and biocompatible polymers, which can be used for surface modification and functionalization of many kinds of materials. Electrophoretic deposition (EPD) has several advantages, including its versatility, simplicity, and ability to coat substrates with complex shapes, and is used for the creation of antimicrobial or hydrophobic coatings on metallic biomaterials, among other applications. However, its utilization for applying biopolymer layers on textiles is very limited due to the more complex structure and spatial characteristics of fibrous materials. The aim of this research was to analyze the effects of selected EPD process parameters and the structural characteristics of fibrous carriers on the kinetics of the process and the microscopic characteristics of the deposited layers. The influence of solution characteristics, process parameters, and carrier structures obtained using two different techniques (melt blown and spun-bonded) were analyzed. The morphology and structure of the created deposits were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy and computed tomography, and molecular structure analysis was performed with Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy. The surface mass and thickness of fibrous poly (lactic acid)-based carriers were analyzed in accordance with the respective standards. This study serves as a basis for discussion and further development of this method with regard to fibrous materials for medical applications.

The Influence of Surface Modification with Biopolymers on the Structure of Melt-Blown and Spun-Bonded Poly(lactic acid) Nonwovens

“…The reduction in thickness in the case of MB nonwovens could be explained by the process of the compression of the very loose structure ( Figure 5 ) and sticking of fibers due to the specificity of the process (immersion in the solution). While, the decrease in thickness for SB nonwovens obtained in higher voltage might also be a result of the compression due to an increase in motion of polymers particles and higher efficiency of the deposition, as shown in [ 1 ].…”

“…The solutions of 1.5% of SA and SH were prepared using distilled water and mechanical stirring. The electrodeposition was carried out in the previously selected conditions: U = 30 V and U = 35 V, T = 25 °C and t = 3 min, as described in more detail in [ 1 ]. The samples were dried at room temperature until they reached a constant mass.…”

“…Electrophoretic deposition (EPD) allows for control over the thickness and morphology of the obtained layers by adjustments in deposition solution characteristics, including type of the polymer and its concentration, as well as process parameters (e.g., voltage, deposition time). An in-depth study of the effects of various parameters on electrodeposition has been presented elsewhere [ 1 ]. The applied optimal process parameters of the EPD process were selected in the preliminary studies.…”

“…The aim of this was to check the possibility of modifying the surface of the nonwoven with biopolymers, which in further steps of research development could give virtually unlimited possibilities of enriching the layer with various types of active substances. The research part presented in this article provides the continuation of studies undertaken in the field of polymer modification of fibrous structures, as presented elsewhere [ 1 ], and is focused on the determination of the influence of polymeric surface modification on the structure of two types of nonwovens, differing in their structural properties as a result of being produced by two different methods—spun-bonding and melt-blowing processes.…”

Assessment of the Impact of the Surface Modification Processes of Cotton and Polyester Fabrics with Various Techniques on Their Structural, Biophysical, Sensory, and Mechanical Properties

“…One of the goals of the modification is to improve the properties of functional clothing parameters, affecting the safety of a selected group of users working in extremal environmental conditions like firefighters, rescuers, steel workers [ 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 ] as well as soldiers and policemen [ 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 ]. Surface modification is also commonly used in garments with healing properties [ 37 , 38 , 39 , 40 , 41 , 42 ] as well as smart clothing textiles that monitor the user’s life processes [ 43 , 44 , 45 , 46 , 47 , 48 ]. Surface modification is also commonly used for decorative clothing purposes [ 49 , 50 , 51 , 52 , 53 ].…”