Three-Dimensional Printed Antimicrobial Objects of Polylactic Acid (PLA)-Silver Nanoparticle Nanocomposite Filaments Produced by an In-Situ Reduction Reactive Melt Mixing Process

Abstract

In this study, an industrially scalable method is reported for the fabrication of polylactic acid (PLA)/silver nanoparticle (AgNP) nanocomposite filaments by an in-situ reduction reactive melt mixing method. The PLA/AgNP nanocomposite filaments have been produced initially reducing silver ions (Ag+) arising from silver nitrate (AgNO3) precursor mixed in the polymer melt to elemental silver (Ag0) nanoparticles, utilizing polyethylene glycol (PEG) or polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP), respectively, as macromolecular blend compound reducing agents. PEG and PVP were added at various concentrations, to the PLA matrix. The PLA/AgNP filaments have been used to manufacture 3D printed antimicrobial (AM) parts by Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF). The 3D printed PLA/AgNP parts exhibited significant AM properties examined by the reduction in Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria viability (%) experiments at 30, 60, and 120 min duration of contact (p < 0.05; p-value (p): probability). It could be envisaged that the 3D printed parts manufactured and tested herein mimic nature’s mechanism against bacteria and in terms of antimicrobial properties, contact angle for their anti-adhesive behavior and mechanical properties could create new avenues for the next generation of low-cost and on-demand additive manufacturing produced personal protective equipment (PPE) as well as healthcare and nosocomial antimicrobial equipment.

Sustainable Additive Manufacturing: Mechanical Response of Polypropylene over Multiple Recycling Processes

“…The TGA plots demonstrate the thermal stability and degradation temperature of PP after the different recycling rounds, revealing any plausible degradation of PP. Moreover, the TGA plots demonstrate the maximum operational temperature the 3D printed samples could be used as engineered thermoplastic materials [30]. Specifically, from the TGA curves information could be extracted about any potential thermal degradation may have occurred by the different recycling cycles, resulting thus into a knock-down effect on the material's thermal stability and potentially mechanical properties [31].…”

Enhanced Mechanical, Thermal and Antimicrobial Properties of Additively Manufactured Polylactic Acid with Optimized Nano Silica Content

“…This potential of AM process in combination with bio-based materials, such as the PLA, creates a research need for the development of advanced composite materials. PLA has been thoroughly studied and it is continually under development with a large variety of fillers [2,8,21] and applications related to 3D printing for the development of composites with antimicrobial properties [22]. Polylactide is a famous polymer used in 3D printing, with an "easy-to-print" behavior.…”

Improved Weathering Performance of Poly(Lactic Acid) through Carbon Nanotubes Addition: Thermal, Microstructural, and Nanomechanical Analyses

“…Poly(lactic acid) (PLA), an aliphatic polyester, is one of the most promising biopolymers to replace conventional petroleum-based plastics [ 1 ]. The use of biopolymers has attracted significant attention because of increasing environmental concerns due to the waste accumulation and depletion of fossil resources [ 2 , 3 , 4 ]. PLA is a sustainably sourced material and can be derived from renewable resources such as corn, rice, or wheat.…”