Abstract:

Antibacterial dressings containing nano-silver powders(n-Ag)/dimethyl sulfoxide(MSM)/poly(lactide-co-glycolide)(PLGA) were prepared by electrospinning. Field emission scanning electron microscope(ESEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy(EDX) were applied for the investigation of the microscopic structure and surface elements of the dressings as well as mechanical properties, water absorption, cell compatibility and antibacterial function so that we could comprehensively evaluate the functionality and practicability of dressings. The results show that the fibers of dressing is a crossing grid-like structure, interconnected, and gradually enhenced the mechanical strength of fibers with increasing of n-Ag content, as well as water absorption ability. When the n-Ag content is more than 1%(mass fraction), the dressings show a good antibacterial ability against the Gram-positive staphylococci and Gram-negative Escherichia coli. Cell experimental results show that when the content of n-Ag is between 0.01%—10%, the dressings are non-toxic or low toxicity; when the content of n-Ag is less than 1%, it contributes to the growth and proliferation of cells. Therefore, we conclude that the dressing has a good biocompatibility and antibacterial properties, and has broad application prospects in a functional medical dressings research and industrial area.

Key words: Electrospinning, Nano-silver, Poly(lactide-co-glycolide), Dressing