LDPE/PCL nanofibers embedded chlorhexidine diacetate for potential antimicrobial applications

Abstract

In this study, we described the process of developing antimicrobial nanofibers using a solution-based electrospinning technique. The nanofibers were composed of a 40:60 blend of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and polycaprolactone (PCL), loaded with chlorhexidine diacetate (CHD).The diameter of the nanofibers was measured for LDPCL (235 nm), but it changed to 148, 194, and 325 nm for LDPCL-CHD 1%, 3%, and 5%, respectively. The hydrophilic properties of the nanofibers were significantly improved by incorporating CHD. Also, the contact angle was reduced from 116 ± 5° to 37 ± 2°. The CHD was released from the nanofibers by an initial immediate release and then by extended-release. The released CHD from the nanofibers was found to effectively reduce the formation of biofilms when exposed to microorganisms such as S. aureus and E. coli compared to the control group (LDPCL). The drug-loaded nanofibers were found to be non-cytotoxic when incubated with L929 fibroblast cells for the duration of 24 and 72 h. The study findings suggest that antimicrobial nanofibers have potential applications in preventing implant-related infections caused by (S. aureus and E. coli).