CELL 249 |
| We examine a one-step process to fabricate metal nanoparticle (NP)-alginate polymer nanofiber (NF) composites via electrospinning. Alginate is widely known to promote optimal environment for wound healing. The novelty of our process lies in the use of the electrospinning polymer blend acting as both the reducing and protecting agent for the NPs. A model system involving alginate-poly(ethylene oxide) blend and metal salt to generate NF composites with potential as wound dressing with antimicrobial properties is presented. The effects of metal NP incorporation, electrospinning and polymer solution parameters, and nanoparticle and nanofiber morphologies are studied. We demonstrate by UV/Vis spectroscopy that PEO and alginate transform Ag ions to Ag NPs without the addition of any reducing agent and stabilizer. Interesting nanostructures that are well-dispersed and crystalline at or near the NF surface are observed from TEM, XRD and XPS analyses. The antimicrobial properties of the NF mats are also investigated. |
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Biobased Nanocomposites and Nanotechnology
1:00 PM-5:15 PM, Wednesday, April 9, 2008 Morial Convention Center -- Rm. R09, Oral
Division of Cellulose & Renewable Materials |