Characterisation and investigation of antibacterial properties of nylon 66/TPS/Ag NPs nanofibre membranes

Abstract

Electrospinning method was used to prepare nylon 66 nanofibre membranes in solution mixed with chloroform/formic acid. These nanofibres were covered with (3-mercaptopropyl) trimethoxysilane (TPS) that has a sulphur group, making it a suitable host for Ag nanoparticles (Ag NPs). Spraying of the as-prepared nylon 66/TPS surface first with silver nitrate solution and then scattering with a mixture of N2H4/NaBH4 used as reducing agents during the second process provides nanofibres with nylon 66/TPS/Ag NPs structure. Characterisation of the formed nanofibres was studied by Fourier transform infrared, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy techniques. The non-woven polyurethane coated with activated carbon particles and polyethylene mesh was utilised as the substrate and protective layers of as-prepared nanofibres, respectively. Finally, the antibacterial activity of nanofibre membranes against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria was investigated by using the disk diffusion method and it was shown that the newly synthesised nanofibres presented very good antibacterial activity against the tested bacteria. The results of this study can be used for industrial applications such as antibacterial wound dressings or/and water disinfection filters.