Complex-mediated growth mechanism of silver nanoparticles–poly(vinyl alcohol) composite nanofibers

Feathers, which contain >90% keratin, are valuable natural protein resources. The aim of this study is to prepare antimicrobial feather keratin (FK)-based nanofibers by incorporating silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). A series of AgNPs-embedded feather keratin/poly(vinyl alcohol)/poly(ethylene oxide) (FK/PVA/PEO) composite nanofibers with varying amounts of AgNPs content were fabricated by electrospinning. Their morphology, crystallinity, thermal stability, tensile property, and antibacterial activity were systematically investigated. The average diameters of composite nanofibers gradually decreased with increases in the amount of AgNPs. The crystallinity, thermal stability, and antibacterial activity of FK/PVA/PEO nanofibers were enhanced by embedding AgNPs. When embedded with 1.2% AgNPs, both the tensile strength and elongation-at-break reached the highest level. This work has the potential to expand the application of FK-based nanofibers in the biomaterial field.

Download Full-text

An investigation of factors affecting the electrospinning of poly (vinyl alcohol)/kefiran composite nanofibers

Advanced Composites and Hybrid Materials ◽

10.1007/s42114-021-00230-3 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Hakimeh Ziyadi ◽

Mitra Baghali ◽

Mina Bagherianfar ◽

Fatemeh Mehrali ◽

Reza Faridi-Majidi

Keyword(s):

Vinyl Alcohol ◽

Composite Nanofibers ◽

Poly Vinyl Alcohol ◽

Factors Affecting

Download Full-text

The Design, Characterization and Antibacterial Activity of Heat and Silver Crosslinked Poly(Vinyl Alcohol) Hydrogel Forming Dressings Containing Silver Nanoparticles

Nanomaterials ◽

10.3390/nano11010096 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

pp. 96

Author(s):

John Jackson ◽

Helen Burt ◽

Dirk Lange ◽

In Whang ◽

Robin Evans ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Silver Nanoparticles ◽

Antibacterial Activity ◽

Silver Nitrate ◽

Vinyl Alcohol ◽

Unmet Need ◽

Chemical Characterization ◽

Wound Dressings ◽

Poly Vinyl Alcohol ◽

Burn Wound

The prompt treatment of burn wounds is essential but can be challenging in remote parts of Africa, where burns from open fires are a constant hazard for children and suitable medical care may be far away. Consequently, there is an unmet need for an economical burn wound dressing with a sustained antimicrobial activity that might be manufactured locally at low cost. This study describes and characterizes the novel preparation of a silver nitrate-loaded/poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) film. Using controlled heating cycles, films may be crosslinked with in situ silver nanoparticle production using only a low heat oven and little technical expertise. Our research demonstrated that heat-curing of PVA/silver nitrate films converted the silver to nanoparticles. These films swelled in water to form a robust, wound-compatible hydrogel which exhibited controlled release of the antibacterial silver nanoparticles. An optimal formulation was obtained using 5% (w/w) silver nitrate in PVA membrane films that had been heated at 140 °C for 90 min. Physical and chemical characterization of such films was complemented by in vitro studies that confirmed the effective antibacterial activity of the released silver nanoparticles against both gram positive and negative bacteria. Overall, these findings provide economical and simple methods to manufacture stable, hydrogel forming wound dressings that release antibiotic silver over prolonged periods suitable for emergency use in remote locations.

Download Full-text