Flexible, robust and self-peeling PLA/AgNWs nanofiber membranes with photothermally antibacterial properties for wound dressing

• Published in: Applied surface science 2023-04, Vol.615, p.156284, Article 156284
• Main Authors: Zhao, Yonghe, Lu, Qinqin, Wu, Junzhi, Zhang, Yuhan, Guo, Jiabao, Yu, Jingjie, Shu, Xinrui, Chen, Qiang
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Composite nanofiber; Electrospinning; Photothermal antibacterial effect; Self-peeling; Silver nanowire
• ISSN: 0169-4332; 1873-5584
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apsusc.2022.156284

The composite membranes consisting of silver nanowires (AgNWs) embedded in polylactic acid (PLA) nanofiber were successfully fabricated by one-pot electrospinning. The PLA/AgNWs composite membranes exhibited immediate silver release and local photothermal effect under NIR irradiation, which contributed to excellent antibacterial property, and simultaneously balanced biocompatibility. [Display omitted] •PLA/AgNWs composite nanofiber as wound dressing was developed by one-pot electrospinning.•Photothermally antibacterial capability of AgNWs was exploited for the first time.•The PLA/AgNWs composite membrane presented high strength, superior flexibility and NIR-induced self-peeling property.•Balanced antibacterial and biocompatible properties were achieved due to NIR-induced silver release and local temperature increase. Bacterial infection is the key factor challenging the success of wound healing. In view of the low and short-term antibacterial effects of traditional wound treatment, a photothermal activated antibacterial platform based on silver nanowires (AgNWs) embedded in polylactic acid (PLA) nanofiber membranes was fabricated by electrospinning in this study. SEM images showed that smooth and continuous PLA/AgNWs composite nanofibers with diameter distribution ranging from 200 to 700 nm were obtained. The composite membranes possess moderate hydrophobicity and self-peeling characters, which may contribute to prevent secondary injury during the removal of the dressing. Excellent water vapor permeability also could meet the requirement of wound dressing. Importantly, the presence of AgNWs endow the PLA/AgNWs membranes with not only enhanced plasticity, but also excellent antibacterial properties due to the near infrared (NIR) triggered silver ion release and local photothermal effect. Such NIR-controlled antibacterial action is also beneficial for achieving good biocompatibility. Therefore, the produced PLA/AgNWs composite nanofiber membrane is expected to be a promising candidate that can prevent bacterial infection and promote skin repair.