A series of novel electrospun biocomposite mats based on polylactide (PLA) and zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles were designed by two techniques based on the application of an electrostatic field, i.e. electrospinning of PLA/ZnO blends and simultaneous electrospinning of PLA solution/electrospraying of nano-ZnO dispersion. A thorough morphological analysis of the obtained mats was carried out using several techniques, such as scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and mercury intrusion porosimetry. The relationships between the mechanical properties, the ZnO content, and the final morphology were also established. Furthermore, the antibacterial activity against Escheria coli and Staphylococcus aureus was investigated. The incorporation of ZnO in PLA mats by both electrostatic techniques yielded electrospun biocomposite materials with high mechanical performance and prevented the proliferation of bacterial cells, thus making them suitable for wound dressing applications.

Design of novel antibacterial macroporous mats based on polylactide nanofibers and zinc oxide nanoparticles

248th National Meeting (2014)

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