Development of cross‐linked polyvinyl alcohol/sodium caseinate/silver nanoparticle electrospun mats for antibacterial wound dressing

Abstract

AbstractIn this study, nanofibers were produced by the electrospinning method by adding 1%, 3%, 5%, and 7% silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) into the polyvinyl alcohol/sodium caseinate (60/40, w/w) mixture. Electrospun materials were cross‐linked by immersion in a glutaraldehyde bath. Thus, antibacterial wound dressings that could be used on exuding wounds were developed. According to the scanning electron microscopy images of nanofibers, the cross‐linking process by immersion method did not cause negative effects such as breakage or adhesion on the surface of fibers. The cross‐linking of nanofibers was demonstrated by the presence of acetal linkages by Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy analysis. The cross‐linking process significantly improved the thermal properties of the nanofibers. The lowest crystallinity calculated in the differential scanning calorimeter was observed in the 3% Ag NP‐added nanofiber with a value of 1.83%. It exhibited the lowest total soluble matter content with a value of 11.98% owing to its high cross‐linking density. In addition, the 3% Ag NP‐added nanofiber, which had the highest toughness and ductility, displayed the highest tensile stress with 3.5 MPa and the highest tensile strain with 7.53%. Moreover, it showed 78.11% cell viability on the L929 fibroblast cell line at the end of the 24th hour. It was indicated that although the electrospun mats maintained 100% antibacterial effectiveness, they could not be used as a wound dressing for 48 h. It was reported that only 3% Ag NP‐added nanofiber could be used as a 100% effective antibacterial wound dressing for both Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus provided that it was renewed every 24 h. Consequently, it was notified that cross‐linking by the immersion method can be used in biomedical applications.Highlights The antibacterial effects of Ag NP‐doped PVA/NaCAS electrospun mats were significant. The cross‐linking process did not induce toxic effects some of the nanofibers. High cross‐linking density was observed in the nanofibers. The swelling property of nanofibers is a good feature required in an ideal wound dressing.