Efficiency of Prevention of Biofilm Formation by Modified Polyurethane Nanofibers in Different Bacterial Strains

Abstract

In tissue engineering biofilm formation is a major concern where bacteria form biofilms over the implants, devices or tissue scaffolds. To prevent this biofilm formation an attempt has been made in this study by using a modified nanofiber fabricated from a polymer incorporated with an antibacterial agent. Polyurethane (PU) nanofibers provide a high surface area for efficient substance delivery within a biological surface. In this paper β-cyclodextrin (CD) incorporated PU nanofibers were fabricated by electrospinning. CD was added to impart hydrophilicity to the nanofiber mat. For the antibacterial activity silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) have been used. In this study Ag NPs have been incorporated in the composite scaffolds by two methods, viz, physical adsorption and hydrothermal adsorption. Scanning electron microscopy showed the smooth and bead-free morphology of nanofibers. The contact angle analysis showed the lowered contact angle in case of nanofibers containing CD and Ag NPs which confirmed the increased hydrophilicity by CD. The Ag release assay showed the different release profiles in two types of composites. Ag was released slowly in case of the composite where Ag had adsorbed firmly to the nanofibers as compared to the composite where Ag was adsorbed loosely. The disc diffusion assay showed the growth inhibition of different bacterial gram-positive and gram-negative strains by the composite scaffolds. The in-vitro cell viability assay showed the cells were viable on these composites and these were usable for biological applications. This study suggests a new way of biofilm prevention using PU nanofibers.