Research on the Relationship Between Surface Engineering and Deformation Response of Some Natural Polymeric Nanofibrous Systems. Possible Applications in Medicine

Abstract

Since the bamboo derived nanocellulosic fibrous systems (used as covers for mattresses), come in contact with skin, the study is aiming to establish the relationship between their three D-dimensional architecture and permanent deformation. The composite should have a permanent deformation near to zero, in order to be as stable as possible, in terms of dimensional. Different types of bamboo derived nanocellulosic fibrous systems, whose surfaces have been modified/engineered under several irradiation conditions, were used. By analyzing the area of 1 cm2 with UST (Universal Surface Tester), different 3D diagrams were achieved. This type of surface investigation provides relevant information about permanent deformation response of the studied surface, for comfort purposes. In other terms, the roughness which is the parameter quantifying the 3D geometry of the systems surface, a correlation between deformation response and the roughness level could be established. Moreover, since there is a direct contact of this polymeric supports with skin, the outcomes of this research can be regarded as a perspective/starting point for a novel study. The level of roughness can be monitored, in order to obtain matrices with different hydrophobicity, consequently with potential antimicrobial performance. The more hydrophilic the polymeric matrix will be, the more the antimicrobial response/behaviour can be achieved. Some implications in medicine are also considered, because one of the most applied methods to fight infection would be to apply loading onto bamboo derived cellulosic supports that has the capability to release antimicrobial substances.