Electrospun nano composites of poly(vinyl pyrrolidone)/ nano-silver for antibacterial materials

Poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP) and nanosilver are promising candidates for biomedical applications because of their biocompatibility and antibacterial efficacy, respectively. In this research, three kinds of nanosilver particles (NSPs) were prepared using the seed mediate growth method and added to electrospinning solutions. PVP/NSPs composites were prepared by electrospinning of 10 wt% PVP solutions that contained NSPs in ethanol. The electrospinability of PVP/NSPs nanowebs in ethanol was investigated according to three different concentrations of NSPs. The Electrospun PVP/NSPs nanocomposites were photocross-linked to improve their water stability. The antibacterial efficacy of the PVP/NSPs nanocomposites was assessed against three types of bacteria; Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli. The photocross-linked PVP/NSPs nanocomposites had high water stability and significant antibacterial efficacy against all three types of bacteria. Therefore, these composites could be applied as antimicrobial materials.     

Fabrication of poly(3-methylthiophene)/poly(ethylene oxide)/ruthenium oxide composite electrospun nanofibers for supercapacitor application

Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Electronics - In the present work, composites of poly(3-methylthiophene)/poly(ethylene oxide)/ruthenium oxide nanofibers (PMT/PEO/RuO2) were fabricated by...     

Preparation of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate)/nano-hydroxyapatite composite scaffolds for bone tissue engineering

Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate)/nano-hydroxyapatite (PHB/nHA) composite scaffolds were fabricated via powder mixing, compression moulding, and particle leaching technique. The scaffolds had high porosity with interconnected porous architecture, a favorable structure for cell attachment and new bone tissue ingrowth. A homogeneous dispersion and a uniform distribution of HA nanoparticles in the polymer matrix were obtained. The scaffolds exhibited improved compressive modulus and compressive strength, which were all in the range of compressive modulus and compressive strength of cancellous bone. In addition, the use of toxic organic solvents was eliminated. Thus, the fabricated PHB/nHA composite scaffolds tend to be promising for application in bone tissue engineering.     

Optical and dielectric properties of poly(vinylacetate)/lead oxide composites

Composite films of poly(vinylacetate)/red lead oxide have been prepared by mixing the fine lead oxide particles into polyvinylacetate solution under ultrasonication followed by film casting technique. Structural, optical and dielectric properties have been performed to characterize these composites films and compared their properties to pure PVAc film. The changes in the structural of the prepared films were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and FT-IR spectra. It has been observed that the crystallinity of the composites films depends on the Pb-content. Optical spectra of the composites films showed direct allowed band gaps lying in the range of 5.0–4.6?eV which is lower than that of PVAc. Frequency and doping level dependence of dielectric constant (ε′), ac conductivity (σ_ac) and tangent loss (tanδ) have been measured. The values of ε′ were decreased with increasing in frequency, which indicates that the major contribution to the polarization comes from orientation polarization. The ac conductivity is more for doped PVAc than that of undoped PVAc. The experimental results show that ε′ and σ_ac increase with adding of lead oxide in PVAc. The controllable of optical and dielectric properties of the composite film will draw much attention for potential applications.     

Preparation of a novel biodegradable nanocomposite scaffold based on poly (3-hydroxybutyrate)/bioglass nanoparticles for bone tissue engineering

One of the most important challenges in composite scaffolds is pore architecture. In this study, poly (3-hydroxybutyrate) with 10% bioglass nanoparticles was prepared by the salt leaching processing technique, as a nanocomposite scaffold. The scaffolds were characterized by SEM, FTIR and DTA. The SEM images demonstrated uniformed porosities of appropriate sizes (about 250–300 μm) which are interconnected. Furthermore, higher magnification SEM images showed that the scaffold possesses less agglomeration and has rough surfaces that may improve cell attachment. In addition, the FTIR and DTA results showed favorable interaction between polymer and bioglass nanoparticles which improved interfaces in the samples. Moreover, the porosity of the scaffold was assessed, and the results demonstrated that the scaffold has uniform and high porosity in its structure (about 84%). Finally it can be concluded that this scaffold has acceptable porosity and morphologic character paving the way for further studies to be conducted from the perspective of bone tissue engineering.     

聚(3-羟基丁酸-co-4-羟基丁酸酯)/碳纳米管复合微孔发泡薄膜研究

用红外(FT-IR)谱、X射线衍射(XRD)、扫描电镜(SEM)、透射电镜(TEM)和差示扫描量热仪(DSC),研究了多壁碳纳米管(MWCNT)分别在强酸和偶氮二异丁腈(AIBN)+过氧化二苯甲酰物(BPO)中的表面修饰过程,并将其与聚(3-羟基丁酸-co-4-羟基丁酸酯)/碳纳米管复合,制备了微孔发泡薄膜,孔径最大50μm,最小10μm。结果表明,在相同溶剂条件下,偶氮二异丁腈+过氧化二苯甲酰可以成功地实现碳纳米管的表面修饰,修饰后的碳管浓度为1%(质量分数)与聚合物较好相容,当其比例为1∶2、1∶1时分别获得"莲蓬型"和"蜂窝型"微孔发泡结构薄膜,并具有较好的导电性。     

Tensile properties and impact behaviour of poly(D(−)3-hydroxybutyrate)/rubber blends

A random ethylene-propylene rubber copolymer with functional ester or anhydride groups and an ethylene vinilacetate copolymer modified by a partial transformation of acetate groups in alcoholic groups were used as minor components to obtain binary poly(D(-)3-hydroxy-butyrate) blends by melt-mixing. The influence of the rubbery impact modifier on the morphology and on the tensile and high-speed fracture behaviour of such blends was investigated. Better properties were found when anhydride groups were present on the rubbery component. This was attributed to chemical interactions occurring between the dispersed phase and the matrix during the blending process.     

Synthesis of poly(o-phenylenediamine)/ferric oxide composites with rose-like hierarchical microstructures

Poly(o-phenylenediamine)/ferric oxide (PoPD/Fe₂O₃) composites with rose-like hierarchical microstructures were synthesized through a facile and controlled chemical oxidation process, during which oPD was oxidated by ferric sulfate [Fe₂(SO₄)₃]. The morphologies were formed by self-assembly of several tens of thin petals with a thickness of tens of nanometers. Products were characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD), indicating that Fe₂O₃ existed in the composites. The influence of molar ratios of reactants on the formation of these microstructures was investigated and it was found that they have strong influence on the formation of the microstructures. The formation mechanism for the hierarchical nanostructures was also given.     

Impregnation approach for poly(vinylidene fluoride)/tin oxide nanotube composites with high tribological performance

We report a composite material with the high tribological performance, which consists of onedimensional SnO_2 nanotubes(ST) and a high molecular weight poly(vinylidene fluoride)(PVDF) matrix in terms of nano-impregnation. Dissolution of PVDF in N,N-dimethylformamide(DMF) resulted in a facile penetration of PVDF into the inner hollow voids of ST, leading to the close contact. Interaction between PVDF and ST results in a beneficial effect on the chain arrangement of PVDF, providing an α-phase with better tribological property. Upon ST incorporation, the friction coefficient decreased by 85.0% to 0.408, and the specific wear rate decreased by 69.1% to 0.412, demonstrating the pivotal role of ST as a self-lubricating material due to a large interactive area and PVDF chain rearrangement.     

聚丁二酸丁二酯/聚(3-羟基丁酸酯-co-4-羟基丁酸酯)/纳米高岭土熔融共混力学性能、流变及降解行为研究

用熔融共混挤出法制备的聚丁二酸丁二酯(PBS)/聚(3-羟基丁酸酯-co-4-羟基丁酸酯)[poly(3HB-co-4HB)]/纳米高岭土(nano Kaolin)复合降解材料;利用万能拉力机、旋转流变仪和SEM对其力学性能、流变行为、微观结构及降解性能进行研究。结果表明,PBS/poly(3HB-co-4HB)/nano Kaolin(100/10/8)复合降解材料的缺口冲击强度、断裂伸长率达到最大,此后随着nano Kaolin质量百分比增加,而呈下降趋势;在室外自然条件下,经过土埋一段时间后的降解实验,PBS/poly(3HB-co-4HB)/nano Kaolin(100/10/12)复合材料发生了明显的降解,复合降解材料的失重率也已经降到64%左右,说明材料的降解性能较好;纳米复合降解材料熔融剪切储能模量(G′),剪切损耗模量(G″)随着频率的增大呈单增趋势。     

Preparation and characterization of ibuprofen-loaded microspheres consisting of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) and methoxy poly (ethylene glycol)-b-poly (D,L-lactide) blends or poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) and gelatin composites for controlled drug release

Poly-(3-hydroxybutyrate) (P(3HB)) is a biodegradable and biocompatible polymer that has been used to obtain polymer-based drug carriers. However, due to the high crystallinity degree of this polymer, drug release from P(3HB) microspheres frequently occurs at excessive rates. In this study, two strategies for prolonging ibuprofen release from P(3HB)-based microspheres were tested: blending with poly(D,L-lactide)-b-polyethylene glycol (mPEG-PLA); and obtaining composite particles with gelatin (GEL). SEM micrographs showed particles that were spherical and had a rough surface. A slight decrease of the crystallinity degree of P(3HB) was observed only in the DSC thermogram obtained from unloaded-microspheres prepared from 1:1 P(3HB):mPEG-PLA blend. For IBF-loaded microspheres, a reduction of around 10 °C in the melting temperature of P(3HB) was observed, indicating that the crystalline structure of the polymer was affected in the presence of the drug. DSC studies also yielded evidence of the presence of a molecular dispersion coexisting with a crystalline dispersion in the drug in the matrix. Similar results were obtained from X-ray diffractograms. In spite of 1:1 mPEG-PLA:P(3HB) blends having contributed to the reduction of the burst effect, a more controlled drug release was provided by the use of the 3:1 P(3HB):mPEGPLA blend. This result indicated that particle hydration played an important role in the drug release. On the other hand, the preparation of P(3HB):GEL composite microspheres did not allow control of the IBF release.     

Transparent and high gas barrier films based on poly(vinyl alcohol)/graphene oxide composites

Composites of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and graphene oxide (GO) were synthesized by a modified Hummers method and a solution-mixing method. GO was fully exfoliated in the PVA/GO composites. GO did not affect the crystallization of PVA during solvent evaporation. GO is itself an excellent gas barrier without any chemical reduction. The oxygen permeability of the PVA/GO (0.3 wt.%) composite coated film was 17 times lower than that of the pure poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) film, with 92% light transmittance at 550 nm. Composites of PVA and reduced graphene oxide (RGO) were synthesized by performing chemical reduction using hydrazine monohydrate. The oxygen permeability of the PVA/RGO (0.3 wt.%) composite coated film was 86 times lower than that of the pure PET film, with 73% light transmittance at 550 nm. The reduction of oxygen permeability was mainly attributed to the reduced oxygen solubility in the PVA/GO composite film, while it was attributed to both the reduced oxygen diffusivity and solubility in the PVA/RGO composite film.     

Electrospinning of poly (ε-caprolactone-co-lactide)/Pluronic blended scaffolds for skin tissue engineering

For skin tissue engineering, an ideal scaffold should mimic the natural extracellular matrix of the native skin. In this study, we reported a novel elastic sub-micron fiber scaffold blending poly (ε-caprolactone-co-lactide) (PLCL) and Pluronic at different ratios by electrospinning. PLCL and Pluronic were co-electrospun with the ratio of 100/0, 99/1, 95/5, 90/10, 85/15, and 75/25. These scaffolds were evaluated in terms of fiber morphology, mechanical properties, and hydrophilicity for the purpose of culturing adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs). Cell attachment and proliferation on the scaffolds were also evaluated to demonstrate the potential of serving as a skin graft. The results indicated that all of the electrospun fibers possessed smooth surface textures and interconnected porous structures with the average diameter ranging from approximately 750–1140 nm. The higher tensile strength was observed in 95/5 and 90/10 PLCL/Pluronic blended membranes, while further incorporation of Pluronic almost has no effect on tensile strength. The water contact angle was 85° for scaffold with the ratio of 99/1, while 0° for 90/10, 85/15, and 75/25. In addition, the elevation of Pluronic content in composition resulted in a corresponding increase in swelling behavior. Compared with PLCL, the better cell adhesion and proliferation potential of ADSCs was exhibited on all PLCL/Pluronic blended scaffolds. ADSCs on the blended scaffolds were highly elongated and well integrated with the surrounding fibers, indicating the good cytocompatibility of PLCL/Pluronic scaffolds. Thus, these blended scaffolds have the potentially high application prospect in the field of skin tissue engineering.     

Synthesis and photoelectric property of poly(3-octylthiophene)/ferric oxide complexes

Ferric oxide was prepared by the supercritical fluid drying (SCFD) method. A conducting polymer composite, poly(3-octylthiophene)/ferric oxide (POT/Fe₂O₃) was first synthesized through the chemical method. X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), and Infrared spectroscopy (IR) show that there is a chemical interaction in the composite, which indicates that Fe₂O₃ was successfully coated by poly(3-octylthiophene) molecules. The energy gap of the poly(3-octylthiophene)/ferric oxide composite is lower at 0.448 eV, which also shows that the optical performance of the new material is far superior to POT or Fe₂O₃ separately, by Ultraviolet–Visible spectra (UV–Vis) and fluorescence spectroscopy (PL). Solar cell was sensitized by POT/Fe₂O₃. A solar-to-electric energy conversion efficiency of 0.258% was attained with the system.     

Photocurrent of regioregular poly(3-alkylthiophene)/fullerene composites in surface-type photocells

We have studied steady-state photocurrents of regioregular poly(3-alkylthiophene)/C₆₀ composite on surface-type photocells formed with Au electrodes. The photocurrent is observed above 1.4 eV, in agreement with the light-induced ESR measurements on the composite. The photocurrent is small up to 1.8 eV and then increases abruptly at 1.9 eV and keeps increasing up to 3 eV. The action spectra is not symbatic nor antibatic with the optical absorption spectra. The exponent n of the light intensity I dependence of the photocurrent P, P ∝ Iⁿ, is close to n = 0.5 above 1.9 eV, indicating the involvement of the bimolecular recombination. Below 1.9 eV, n is between 0.5 and 1, indicating the contribution of the monomolecular process. The change in the exponent is understood by a universal curve as a function of the photoexcitation density taking account of the fraction of the incident light absorbed and the optical penetration depth.     

Use of silane coupling agent for surface modification of zinc oxide as inorganic filler and preparation of poly(amide-imide)/zinc oxide nanocomposite containing phenylalanine moieties

A series of novel poly(amide?Cimide)/ZnO nanocomposites with modified ZnO nanoparticles contents was prepared by ultrasonic irradiation. For this purpose, surface of ZnO nanoparticle was modified with $\boldsymbol\gamma$ -aminopropyltriethoxysilane as a coupling agent. Then the effect of surface modification on dispersion of nanoparticles, thermal stability and UV absorption property of the obtained nanocomposites were investigated. The resulting novel nanocomposites were characterized by several techniques. Field emission scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy analyses of the nanocomposites were performed in order to study the dispersion of nanofillers in the polymer matrix. According to thermogravimetry analysis results, the addition of ZnO nanoparticles improved thermal stability of the obtained nanocomposites. Since the resulting nanocomposites contain phenylalanine amino acid and ZnO, they are expected to be biocompatible as well as biodegradable.     

Novel antibacterial electrospun mats based on poly(d,l-lactide) nanofibers and zinc oxide nanoparticles

This investigation addresses the morphological, mechanical, and antibacterial evaluation of nanocomposite mats based on poly(d,l-lactide) nanofibers with different zinc oxide nanoparticles (nano-ZnO) concentration, that were elaborated by two techniques, i.e., electrospinning of polymer/ZnO solutions and the combination of electrospinning of polymer solutions with electrospraying of nano-ZnO dispersions. The analysis of the precursory solutions was carried out in order to understand the achieved morphology of nanofibers. The obtained poly(d,l-lactide)/ZnO fibrous mats showed a uniform morphology with an average porosity ca. 55 % and average pore size around 45 μm. The presence of ZnO nanoparticles increased the toughness of the mats, and an optimal nano-ZnO concentration (i.e., 3 wt%) was observed at which the tensile strength and Young’s modulus could be improved. Concerning to the antibacterial properties, a relatively low concentration of nanoparticles provoked a growth inhibition of the Gram-negative Escherichia coli and the Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. The mats have potential features for use as antimicrobial wound dressings.     

Effect of nanoparticulate bioactive glass particles on bioactivity and cytocompatibility of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) composites

This work investigated the effect of adding nanoparticulate (29 nm) bioactive glass particles on the bioactivity, degradation and in vitro cytocompatibility of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (P(3HB)) composites/nano-sized bioactive glass (n-BG). Two different concentrations (10 and 20 wt %) of nanoscale bioactive glass particles of 45S5 Bioglass composition were used to prepare composite films. Several techniques (Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray) were used to monitor their surface and bioreactivity over a 45-day period of immersion in simulated body fluid (SBF). All results suggested the P(3HB)/n-BG composites to be highly bioactive, confirmed by the formation of hydroxyapatite on material surfaces upon immersion in SBF. The weight loss and water uptake were found to increase on increasing bioactive glass content. Cytocompatibility study (cell proliferation, cell attachment, alkaline phosphatase activity and osteocalcin production) using human MG-63 osteoblast-like cells in osteogenic and non-osteogenic medium showed that the composite substrates are suitable for cell attachment, proliferation and differentiation.     

Electrospinning preparation and photoluminescence properties of poly (methyl methacrylate)/Eu3+ ions composite nanofibers and nanoribbons

Nanofibers and nanoribbons of poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)/Eu³⁺ ions composites with different concentration of Eu³⁺ ions were successfully prepared by using a simple electrospinning technique. From the results of scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, we found that the morphology of the as-electrospun PMMA/Eu³⁺ ions composites could be changed from fiber to ribbon structure by adjusting the concentration of Eu³⁺ ions in the electrospun precursor solution. The coordination between the Eu³⁺ ions and PMMA molecules were investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and differential thermal analysis. The photoluminescence (PL) properties of the as-electrospun PMMA/Eu³⁺ ions composites were studied in comparison to those of the Eu(NO₃)₃ powder. It was showed that the ⁵D₀–⁷F_J (J = 0, 1, 2, 3, 4) emission appeared in the PL spectra of the as-electrospun PMMA/Eu³⁺ ions composites, whereas the ⁵D₀–⁷F₀ emission was completely absent in the PL spectra of Eu(NO₃)₃ powder due to the different local environments surrounding Eu³⁺ ions. It was interesting to note that the intensity ratios of the electric–dipole and magnetic–dipole transitions for the PMMA/Eu³⁺ ions composites could be enhanced significantly by increasing electrospinning voltage.