Structural, morphological and antibacterial properties of ZnO nanofibers fabricated by electrospinning technique

Abstract

The one dimensional zinc oxide (ZnO) nanofibers have been fabricated through the sol–gel processing and electrospinning technology. This is achieved by applying a high voltage in the range of 15 to 30 kV at 5 to 10 cm needle distance with a flow rate of 0.1 mL/h. Staphylococcus aureus bacteria was then utilized to examine the antibacterial properties of the prepared nanofibers. Antibacterial effect of the nanofibers have been determined by disk diffusion method. The acquired results have revealed that ZnO nanofibers have a tremendous antibacterial activity. Therefore, the prepared nanofibers can easily be used in various fields such as nano medicine, biomedical, tissue engineering and textile industry. In addition, surface morphology, crystal structure, thermal property and anti-bacterial activity of the prepared nanofibers have been investigated through Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy, X-Ray Diffraction methods, Thermo Gravimetric Analysis and Agar Disc Diffusion method respectively.