Antibacterial nano biocomposite poly(epsilon-caprolactone) films with nano Ag-hydroxyapatite filler particles

Abstract

This study describes the development of new antimicrobial nanocomposite poly(epsilon-caprolactone) (PCL) films by using the nanosilver coated hydroxyapatite particles. Firstly, the synthesis of hydroxyapatite (HAP) powder was performed using the chemical precipitation method. Next, the nanosilver coating of HAP powder was performed in acetone at 20 degrees C using the poly(dimethylsiloxane) fluid as the reducing agent. Then, the nano Ag-HAP-PCL composite materials containing 30% HAP and 0.13-1.90% Ag were prepared by incorporating nano Ag-HAP powder into the poly(epsilon-caprolactone) (PCL) melt at 100 degrees C. Finally, the nano Ag-HAP-PCL films were prepared by using the roll mill process. The nano Ag-HAP powder and the nanocomposite films were characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM, ICP-OES, UV-vis and FTIR analysis. The TEM analysis of the nano Ag-HAP powder showed that the size of the nanosilver particles is about 0-30 nm. The use of 0.13% nano-Ag in HAP-PCL composite films provided 100% effective antibacterial surface against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus epidermidis. On the other hand, the use of 1.9% nano-Ag in HAP-PCL composite films provided 100% antibacterial effectiveness against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis. The prepared antibacterial nano Ag-HAP-PCL biocomposites are promising materials for biomedical applications, implants and reconstructive orthopedic parts.