Potential of electrospun cellulose acetate nanofiber mat integrated with silver nanoparticles from Azadirachta indica as antimicrobial agent

Abstract

The present study aimed to assess the anti-microbial and anti-biofilm properties of an electrospun cellulose acetate nanofiber mat integrated with green synthesized silver nanoparticles (CA-g-AgNP nanomat). Electrospun CA and CA-g-AgNP nanomat were fabricated and the characterization was performed by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy, and contact angle measurement. Counting of colony-forming units (CFU) and disk diffusion assay were performed to investigate the antimicrobial activity of the CA-g-AgNP nanomat. The anti-biofilm properties of the CA-g-AgNP nanomat were also assessed. Results showed much higher efficacy of the CA-g-AgNP nanomat against gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus, with enhanced internalization of the NPs. The biocompatibility of the CA-g-AgNP nanomat was monitored with MH-S cell lines, macrophage cell lines of Mus musculus. The biofilm formation was significantly inhibited and was found to be reduced by 50% in the presence of the CA-g-AgNP nanomat. Concomitantly, the application of the CA-g-AgNP nanomat resulted in a substantial reduction in CFU/mL. The CA-g-AgNP nanomat, with excellent activity towards biofilms, holds much promise for application in healthcare and the design of antimicrobial nanomat and wound dressing materials.