Production of PLA-based AgNPs-containing nanofibers by electrospinning method and antibacterial application

Abstract

Nanobiotechnology has achieved great advances in the field of scientific research in past years. Nanoparticles (NPs) with diameters ranging from 1 to 100 nm are the focus of nanotechnology. Green synthesis of encapsulated silver nanoparticles (eAgNPs) was carried out by using Solidago virgaurea L. (SvL) and Tussilago farfara L. (TfL) extract as reducing/protecting agent. An UV–vis spectrophotometer was used to determine the optimal conditions to produce eAgNPs from plant extracts, including pH, temperature, plant extract, and mixing times. The optimal conditions for AgNPs synthesis from the SvL plant and TfL plant were (1:1) extract-AgNO3, 24 h mixing time, and a temperature of 25 °C. SEM, TEM, FTIR, and UV–Vis Spectrophotometer analyses were carried out to ascertain the surface characterization and structural properties of eAgNPs and the nanofibrous mats' physicochemical characteristics. The results of the analysis revealed that the eAgNPs are nanosized and contain silver. eAgNPs-doped nanofiber production from polylactide acid (PLA) polymer was realized by electrospin method. The required production parameters for the electrospinning method of producing PLA-based nanofibers were investigated. Nanofiber was produced by combining 0.5 and 1% AgNPs in an 8% PLA solution. The biological effects of the developed PLA@eAgNPs nanofibrous mats were examined in vitro. The antibacterial activity of nanofibers against E. coli was determined using the agar diffusion method. eAgNPs and PLA-based nanostructured materials are suggested as bioactive coatings capable of preventing the development of microbial population on surfaces relevant to healthcare. © 2023, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.