Development of functional alginate fibers for medical applications

Abstract

In this study, antibacterial alginate fibers were developed by using two approaches for fiber development. Firstly, replacing the sodium ions of sodium alginates with metal ions like zinc. Secondly, replacing the sodium ions of sodium alginate with biologically inactive ions like calcium and loading the fibers with ZnO nanorods. Fibers were characterized by liquid absorption and ion release measurements, by placing them separately in distilled water, solution A (0.8298% NaCl & 0.0368% CaCl2) and normal saline solution. Results showed that release of ions from fibers was affected by liquid absorption, physiology of solution and contact time with solution. More ions were released from fibers with higher absorption and longer contact time. Calcium alginate fibers containing zinc ions showed greater absorbency as well as the greater metal ions release. Fibers containing zinc ions, and ZnO nanorods were also tested for their mechanical properties and antibacterial properties against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Alginate fibers containing ZnO nanorods were stronger than alginate fibers containing zinc ions. However, calcium fibers containing zinc ions exhibited more antibacterial activity.