Enhancing Water Treatment Performance of Porous Polysulfone Hollow Fiber Membranes through Atomic Layer Deposition

Polysulfone (PSF) is one of the most used polymers for water treatment membranes, but its intrinsic hydrophobicity can be detrimental to the membranes' performances. By modifying a membrane's surface, it is possible to adapt its physicochemical properties and thus tune the membrane's hydrophilicity or porosity, which can achieve improved permeability and antifouling efficiency. Atomic layer deposition (ALD) stands as a distinctive technology offering exceedingly even and uniform layers of coatings, like oxides that cover the surfaces of objects with three-dimensional (3D) shapes, porous structures, and particles. In the context of this study, the focus was on titanium dioxide (TiO2), zinc oxide (ZnO), and alumina (Al2O3), which were deposited on polysulfone hollow fiber (HF) membranes via ALD using TiCl4, diethyl zinc (DEZ), and trimethylamine (TMA), respectively, and H2O as precursors. The morphology and mechanical properties of membranes were changed without damaging their performances. The deposition was confirmed mainly by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). All depositions offered great performances with a maintained permeability and BSA retention and a 20 to 40° lower water contact angle (WCA) than the raw PSF HF membrane. The deposition of TiO2 offered the best results, showing an enhancement of 50% for the water permeability and 20% for the fouling resistance of the PSF HF membranes.

Phytochemical and physiological reactions of feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium (L.) Schultz Bip) to TiO2 nanoparticles

Nanomaterials can be used as elicitors for improving the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites in medicinal plants. The present study was conducted to assay the titanium dioxide-nanoparticles (TiO₂-NPs) effects on feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) as an anti-cancer plant. The study showed that TiO₂-NPs application increased the amounts of the main compounds and oxygenated monoterpene in essential oils, thereby causing an improvement in the quantity and quality of the essential oils compared to control. The highest effect was related to 1500 ppm TiO₂-NPs concentration. Regarding parthenolide, TiO₂-NPs had no positive effect on parthenolide content and the highest content was observed in control. Increasing the concentrations over 1500 ppm resulted in a decrease in chlorophyll content, capitule diameter, flower yield, and harvest index compared to other concentrations and control. Additionally, the results indicated that TiO₂-NPs foliar spray reduced flower number, biological yield, fresh weight, and dry weights compared with untreated plants. The increase in quality and content of essential oil and lack of increase in parthenolide content, and reproductive and vegetative characteristics showed that TiO₂-NPs mainly affected the content and composition of essential oil. Totally, the application of TiO2-NPs in terms of positive effect on the yield and metabolites (without damaging biological effects) can be recommended and followed up to the concentration of 1000 ppm. Overall, the results indicated that improving the synthesis of valuable medicinal metabolites using TiO₂-NPs has promising results depending on the type of species, concentration used and target metabolites.

PMMA-Based Nanocomposites for Odontology Applications: A State-of-the-Art

Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), a well-known polymer of the methacrylate family, is extensively used in biomedicine, particularly in odontological applications including artificial teeth, dentures and denture bases, obturators, provisional or permanent crowns, and so forth. The exceptional PMMA properties, including aesthetics, inexpensiveness, simple manipulation, low density, and adjustable mechanical properties, make it a perfect candidate in the field of dentistry. However, it presents some deficiencies, including weakness regarding hydrolytic degradation, poor fracture toughness, and a lack of antibacterial activity. To further enhance its properties and solve these drawbacks, different approaches can be performed, including the incorporation of nanofillers. In this regard, different types of metallic nanoparticles, metal oxide nanofillers, and carbon-based nanomaterials have been recently integrated into PMMA matrices with the aim to reduce water absorption and improve their performance, namely their thermal and flexural properties. In this review, recent studies regarding the development of PMMA-based nanocomposites for odontology applications are summarized and future perspectives are highlighted.

Antimicrobial Activity of a Titanium Dioxide Additivated Thermoset

The transmission of pathogens via surfaces poses a major health problem, particularly in hospital environments. Antimicrobial surfaces can interrupt the path of spread, while photocatalytically active titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles have emerged as an additive for creating antimicrobial materials. Irradiation of such particles with ultraviolet (UV) light leads to the formation of reactive oxygen species that can inactivate bacteria. The aim of this research was to incorporate TiO2 nanoparticles into a cellulose-reinforced melamine-formaldehyde resin (MF) to obtain a photocatalytic antimicrobial thermoset, to be used, for example, for device enclosures or tableware. To this end, composites of MF with 5, 10, 15, and 20 wt% TiO2 were produced by ultrasonication and hot pressing. The incorporation of TiO2 resulted in a small decrease in tensile strength and little to no decrease in Shore D hardness, but a statistically significant decrease in the water contact angle. After 48 h of UV irradiation, a statistically significant decrease in tensile strength for samples with 0 and 10 wt% TiO2 was measured but with no statistically significant differences in Shore D hardness, although a statistically significant increase in surface hydrophilicity was measured. Accelerated methylene blue (MB) degradation was measured during a further 2.5 h of UV irradiation and MB concentrations of 12% or less could be achieved. Samples containing 0, 10, and 20 wt% TiO2 were investigated for long-term UV stability and antimicrobial activity. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy revealed no changes in the chemical structure of the polymer, due to the incorporation of TiO2, but changes were detected after 500 h of irradiation, indicating material degradation. Specimens pre-irradiated with UV for 48 h showed a total reduction in Escherichia coli when exposed to UV irradiation.

Mechanical Fatigue Performance of Patient-Specific Polymer Plates in Oncologic Mandible Reconstruction

Mandible defects are conventionally reconstructed using titanium plates. However, titanium causes metallic artifacts which impair radiological imaging. This study aims at evaluating mechanical fatigue of radiolucent fiber-reinforced polyetheretherketone (f-PEEK), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyetherketoneketone (PEKK), and polyphenylsulfone (PPSU) polymer plates for mandible reconstruction. A total of 30 plates (titanium [n = 6], f-PEEK [n = 6], PEEK [n = 6], PEKK [n = 6], PPSU [n = 6]) were implanted in synthetic mandibulectomized polyurethane mandibles. Servo-pneumatic mechanical testing with cyclic application of 30−300 N at 3 Hz was conducted. Bite forces were 70% on the unresected and 30% on the resected side. Total number of cycles was set to 250,000. Testing was aborted in case of plate or screw failure. Axial load to failure was tested with a speed of 1 mm/s. Kruskal−Wallis and Dunn’s post hoc tests were used. Titanium, f-PEEK, and PEEK showed no failure in fatigue testing and PPSU (p < 0.001) failed against titanium, f-PEEK, PEEK, and PEKK. Titanium allowed the highest load to failure compared to f-PEEK (p = 0.049), PEEK (p = 0.008), PEKK (p < 0.001), and PPSU (p = 0.007). f-PEEK, PEEK, and PEKK withstood expected physiological bite force. Although titanium plates provided the highest fatigue strength, f-PEEK and PEEK plates showed no failure over 250,000 chewing cycles indicating sufficient mechanical strength for mandible reconstruction.

Surface Engineering of Nanomaterials with Polymers, Biomolecules, and Small Ligands for Nanomedicine

Nanomedicine is a speedily growing area of medical research that is focused on developing nanomaterials for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases. Nanomaterials with unique physicochemical properties have recently attracted a lot of attention since they offer a lot of potential in biomedical research. Novel generations of engineered nanostructures, also known as designed and functionalized nanomaterials, have opened up new possibilities in the applications of biomedical approaches such as biological imaging, biomolecular sensing, medical devices, drug delivery, and therapy. Polymers, natural biomolecules, or synthetic ligands can interact physically or chemically with nanomaterials to functionalize them for targeted uses. This paper reviews current research in nanotechnology, with a focus on nanomaterial functionalization for medical applications. Firstly, a brief overview of the different types of nanomaterials and the strategies for their surface functionalization is offered. Secondly, different types of functionalized nanomaterials are reviewed. Then, their potential cytotoxicity and cost-effectiveness are discussed. Finally, their use in diverse fields is examined in detail, including cancer treatment, tissue engineering, drug/gene delivery, and medical implants.

Recent Advancements in Polyphenylsulfone Membrane Modification Methods for Separation Applications

Polyphenylsulfone (PPSU) membranes are of fundamental importance for many applications such as water treatment, gas separation, energy, electronics, and biomedicine, due to their low cost, controlled crystallinity, chemical, thermal, and mechanical stability. Numerous research studies have shown that modifying surface properties of PPSU membranes influences their stability and functionality. Therefore, the modification of the PPSU membrane surface is a pressing issue for both research and industrial communities. In this review, various surface modification methods and processes along with their mechanisms and performance are considered starting from 2002. There are three main approaches to the modification of PPSU membranes. The first one is bulk modifications, and it includes functional groups inclusion via sulfonation, amination, and chloromethylation. The second is blending with polymer (for instance, blending nanomaterials and biopolymers). Finally, the third one deals with physical and chemical surface modifications. Obviously, each method has its own limitations and advantages that are outlined below. Generally speaking, modified PPSU membranes demonstrate improved physical and chemical properties and enhanced performance. The advancements in PPSU modification have opened the door for the advance of membrane technology and multiple prospective applications.

Fabrication of Polysulfone-Surface Functionalized Mesoporous Silica Nanocomposite Membranes for Removal of Heavy Metal Ions from Wastewater

Membranes are an efficient way to treat emulsified heavy metal-based wastewater, but they generally come with a trade-off between permeability and selectivity. In this research, the amine and sulphonic groups on the inner and outer surface of mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) were first modified by a chemical approach. Then, MSNs with amine and sulphonic groups were utilized as new inorganic nanofiller to fabricate mixed matrix polysulfone (PSU) nanocomposite membranes using the classical phase inversion approach. The resultant nanoparticles and membranes were characterized by their physico-chemical characteristics as well as determination of pure water permeability along with cadmium and zinc ion removal. Embedding nanoparticles resulted in a significant rise in the water permeability as a result of changes in the surface properties and porosity of the membrane. Furthermore, the efficiency of developed membranes to remove cadmium and zinc was significantly improved by more than 90% due to the presence of functional groups on nanoparticles. The functionalized-MSNs/PSU nanocomposite membrane has the potential to be an effective industrial effluent removal membrane.

Chemical and organoleptic changes of curd cheese stored in new and reused active packaging systems made of Ag-graphene-TiO2-PLA

The study reports obtaining, characterization and evaluation of the preservation efficacy of nano-Ag-graphene-TiO₂-polylactic acid (PLA) film during the storage of the curd cheese. The reusability of the active package was also evaluated. The mechanical resistance of the film was improved by 30% following the composite addition. Water vapour permeability decreased by 11-27% when the composite was incorporated into PLA in a mass percentage ranged between 0.5 and 3%. The highest fat permeability was obtained for PLA3% at 4 °C. The oxygen permeability of PLA3% is 24.6% lower than that of neat-PLA. PLA0.5% and PLA3% presented the highest antibacterial activity. PLA3% achieved the lowest solubility in food simulants at 4 °C compared to PLA and reference. The best active packages for curd storage were PLA0.5% and PLA3%. They showed also the lowest depreciation from the first to the second use. Their active role is kept 100% and 85% respectively, during the second use.

Detection and Imaging of Damages and Defects in Fibre-Reinforced Composites by Magnetic Resonance Technique

Defectively manufactured and deliberately damaged composite laminates fabricated with different continuous reinforcing fibres (respectively, carbon and glass) and polymer matrices (respectively, thermoset and thermoplastic) were inspected in magnetic resonance imaging equipment. Two pulse sequences were evaluated during non-destructive examination conducted in saline solution-immersed samples to simulate load-bearing orthopaedic implants permanently in contact with biofluids. The orientation, positioning, shape, and especially the size of translaminar and delamination fractures were determined according to stringent structural assessment criteria. The spatial distribution, shape, and contours of water-filled voids were sufficiently delineated to infer the amount of absorbed water if thinner image slices than this study were used. The surface texture of composite specimens featuring roughness, waviness, indentation, crushing, and scratches was outlined, with fortuitous artefacts not impairing the image quality and interpretation. Low electromagnetic shielding glass fibres delivered the highest, while electrically conductive carbon fibres produced the poorest quality images, particularly when blended with thermoplastic polymer, though reliable image interpretation was still attainable.

Antibacterial Action of Nanoparticle Loaded Nanocomposites Based on Graphene and Its Derivatives: A Mini-Review

Bacterial infections constitute a severe problem in various areas of everyday life, causing pain and death, and adding enormous costs to healthcare worldwide. Besides, they cause important concerns in other industries, such as cloth, food packaging, and biomedicine, among others. Despite the intensive efforts of academics and researchers, there is lack of a general solutions to restrict bacterial growth. Among the various approaches, the use of antibacterial nanomaterials is a very promising way to fight the microorganisms due to their high specific surface area and intrinsic or chemically incorporated antibacterial action. Graphene, a 2D carbon-based ultra-thin biocompatible nanomaterial with excellent mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties, and its derivatives, graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO), are highly suitable candidates for restricting microbial infections. However, the mechanisms of antimicrobial action, their cytotoxicity, and other issues remain unclear. This mini-review provides select examples on the leading advances in the development of antimicrobial nanocomposites incorporating inorganic nanoparticles and graphene or its derivatives, with the aim of providing a better understanding of the antibacterial properties of graphene-based nanomaterials.

Review of Recent Advances in Polylactic Acid/TiO2 Composites

Polylactic acid/titanium oxide (PLA/TiO2) composites as multifunctional materials have been studied extensively by couple of research groups owing to their outstanding mechanical, thermal, photocatalytic, and antimicrobial properties. This review describes the experimental approaches used to improve the compatibility of PLA/TiO2 composites. The mechanical, thermal, photocatalytic, and antimicrobial properties of PLA/TiO2 composites are discussed. The potential applications arising from the structural and functional properties of PLA/TiO2 composites were also reviewed. Finally, it is concluded that a deep understanding of the impacts of TiO2 filler with available improvement approaches in the dispersibility of this filler in the PLA matrix would be the key for the effective usage of PLA/TiO2 composites and to expand their suitability with worldwide application requirements.

Antibacterial Nanocomposites Based on Thermosetting Polymers Derived from Vegetable Oils and Metal Oxide Nanoparticles

Thermosetting polymers derived from vegetable oils (VOs) exhibit a wide range of outstanding properties that make them suitable for coatings, paints, adhesives, food packaging, and other industrial appliances. In addition, some of them show remarkable antimicrobial activity. Nonetheless, the antibacterial properties of these materials can be significantly improved via incorporation of very small amounts of metal oxide nanoparticles (MO-NPs) such as TiO2, ZnO, CuO, or Fe3O4. The antimicrobial efficiency of these NPs correlates with their structural properties like size, shape, and mainly on their concentration and degree of functionalization. Owing to their nanoscale dimensions, high specific surface area and tailorable surface chemistry, MO-NPs can discriminate bacterial cells from mammalian ones, offering long-term antibacterial action. MO-NPs provoke bacterial toxicity through generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that can target physical structures, metabolic paths, as well as DNA synthesis, thereby leading to cell decease. Furthermore, other modes of action-including lipid peroxidation, cell membrane lysis, redox reactions at the NP-cell interface, bacterial phagocytosis, etc.-have been reported. In this work, a brief description of current literature on the antimicrobial effect of VO-based thermosetting polymers incorporating MO-NPs is provided. Specifically, the preparation of the nanocomposites, their morphology, and antibacterial properties are comparatively discussed. A critical analysis of the current state-of-art on these nanomaterials improves our understanding to overcome antibiotic resistance and offers alternatives to struggle bacterial infections in public places.

Novel Photocatalytic PVDF/Nano-TiO₂ Hollow Fibers for Environmental Remediation

Polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) mixed matrix membranes loaded with inorganic TiO₂ nanoparticles have received increasing attention in the last few years as self-cleaning membranes for possible application in wastewater treatment and seawater filtration. These novel membranes show increased hydrophilicity, stability and catalytic activity under UV-A irradiation. In this work, PVDF-TiO₂ hollow fibers were prepared by employing new strategies for enhancing the stability of the TiO₂ dispersion, reducing particle agglomeration and improving their distribution. The spinning conditions for producing ultrafiltration hollow fiber membranes from PVDF material and nano-TiO₂ were investigated. Finally, the optimized fibers have been characterized and tested for methylene blue (MB) degradation in water and salty seawater, revealing good permeability, long-term stability under UV-A irradiation, and photo-catalytic activity in both test solutions.

Effect of the main process parameters on the mechanical strength of polyphenylsulfone (PPSU) in ultrasonic micro-moulding process

Ultrasonic micro-moulding technology was used to process high performance polymer polyphenylsulfone (PPSU) due to investigate mechanical and chemical characteristics of manufacturing parts. Both the processing window and dependence between the main input parameters, in this case amplitude, plunger velocity and ultrasonic exposure time and their influence on the mechanical properties were appointed. The experiments showed that each available amplitude level (58 µm, 52.2 µm, 46.4 µm, 40.6 µm) are suitable to produce specimens characterised by high mechanical strength but only when combined with the appropriate values of the rest of the parameters. The parameter, which influenced the most on the part degradation is the ultrasonic vibration time. Samples from the combination of parameters, where the amplitude and velocity had the highest value but time of sonication is one of the lowest are less exposed for degradation. Cavitation bubbles makes polymer falling apart which decreases mechanical strength of the manufacturing parts. Degradation was observed via FTIR analysis even if it was not visually visible. Finally, the model as a tool for selecting the appropriate values for the input process parameters when using the novel ultrasonic micro-moulding technology required to produce PPSU parts characterised by their high mechanical strength was developed.

Unprecedented Influence of Carbon Dot@TiO2 Nanohybrid on Multifaceted Attributes of Waterborne Hyperbranched Polyester Nanocomposite

Herein, we wish to report fabrication of multifaceted environmentally friendly benign renewable resource-based waterborne hyperbranched polyester nanocomposites using three different doses of carbon dot@TiO2 nanohybrid through a facile in situ polymerization technique in the absence of solvent or additional catalyst. Carbon dot@TiO2 nanohybrid was prepared through a greener one-pot hydrothermal process from bio-based raw materials. The nanocomposites were characterized by different instrumental techniques. The thermosets of these nanocomposites are obtained by curing them with glycerol-based hyperbranched epoxy and fatty acid-based poly(amido amine). Enhancements of 6.67 folds tensile strength, 3.8 folds toughness, 1.7 folds Young's modulus, >2.5 units gloss, and 46 °C thermal stability were observed for the thermosets by the formation of nanocomposites. The nanocomposites also showed antifogging and anti-icing properties. More interestingly, they can also be used for efficient separation of crude oil and water from their mixture. Thus, these environmentally benign polymeric materials could find applications in different fields.

Development of Antimicrobial Packaging Film Made from Poly(Lactic Acid) Incorporating Titanium Dioxide and Silver Nanoparticles

Polylactide (PLA)/nano-TiO₂ and PLA/nano-TiO₂/nano-Ag blends films were prepared by a solvent volatilization method. Compared to pure PLA film, the nano-blend films have low water vapor permeability (WVP) and a poor transparency. With the increase of the NPs in the PLA, the tensile strength (TS) and elastic modulus (EM) decreased, while the elongation at break (ε) increased. SEM analysis indicated a rougher cross-section of the nano-blend films. According to the FTIR analysis, no new chemical bonds were formed in the nano-blend films. By using DSC to examine the crystallization and melting behavior, the result shows that the NPs have no effect on the glass transition (Tg) and melting temperature (Tm), but they caused an increase on the cold crystallization (Tc) and crystallinity (Xc). TGA results show that the addition of nanoparticles significantly improved the thermal stability. The PLA nano-blend films show a good antimicrobial activity against. E. coli and Listeria monocytogenes. Most important, we carried out migration tests, and verified that the release of NPs from the nano-blend films was within the standard limits.

Friction and wear properties of poly(ether sulfone) containing perfluorocarbon end group

Poly(ether sulfone) (PES) with high coefficient of friction (COF) and wear rate needs treatment to enhance its tribological property in engineering plastic area. Here, the low surface energy of perfluorocarbon chains terminated poly (ether sulfone) (PES-F) had been used to improve the tribological property of such self-lubricating materials. In this research, the performance enhancement due to the existence of perfluorocarbon group on the material surface was discussed on improvement of anti-friction and wear resistance. On the premise of mechanical strength guarantee, the variation regularity of COF and volume wear rate of PES-F were quantitatively analyzed through the pin-on-disc wear test apparatus, combined with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis. It was found that PES-F exhibited the best tribological property during the initial phases of friction test, attributing to the highest content of F on the material surface. Observation of PES-F worn surface and wear debris revealed that the COF and wear rate of modified PES were decreased not only due to the effect of perfluorocarbon group but also by the change of worn surface morphology, both of which were the main reasons for anti-friction and anti-wear property enhancement.

Poly(propylene fumarate)/Polyethylene Glycol-Modified Graphene Oxide Nanocomposites for Tissue Engineering

Poly(propylene fumarate) (PPF)-based nanocomposites incorporating different amounts of polyethylene glycol-functionalized graphene oxide (PEG-GO) have been prepared via sonication and thermal curing, and their surface morphology, structure, thermal stability, hydrophilicity, water absorption, biodegradation, cytotoxicity, mechanical, viscoelastic and antibacterial properties have been investigated. SEM and TEM images corroborated that the noncovalent functionalization with PEG caused the exfoliation of GO into thinner flakes. IR spectra suggested the presence of strong hydrogen-bonding interactions between the nanocomposite components. A gradual rise in the level of hydrophilicity, water uptake, biodegradation rate, surface roughness, protein absorption capability and thermal stability was found upon increasing GO concentration in the composites. Tensile tests revealed improved stiffness, strength and toughness for the composites compared to unfilled PPF, ascribed to a homogeneous GO dispersion within the matrix along with a strong PPF/PEG-GO interfacial adhesion via polar and hydrogen bonding interactions. Further, the nanocomposites retained enough stiffness and strength under a biological state to provide effective support for bone tissue formation. The antibacterial activity was investigated against Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis as well as Gram-negative Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli microorganisms, and it rose sharply upon increasing GO concentration; systematically, the biocide effect was stronger versus Gram-positive bacteria. Cell viability data demonstrated that PPF/PEG-GO composites do not induce toxicity over human dermal fibroblasts. These novel materials show great potential to be applied in the bone tissue engineering field.

Synthesis and properties of perfluorocarbon chain terminated poly(ether sulfone)

Perfluorocarbon groups or related compounds are usually used to modify polymer materials because of their low surface energy properties.

Wound Healing Bionanocomposites Based on Castor Oil Polymeric Films Reinforced with Chitosan-Modified ZnO Nanoparticles

Castor oil (CO), which is a readily available, relatively inexpensive, and environmentally benign nonedible oil, has been successfully used as matrix material to prepare biocompatible and biodegradable nanocomposite films filled with chitosan (CS)-modified ZnO nanoparticles. The biocomposites were synthesized via a simple and versatile solution mixing and casting method. The morphology, structure, thermal stability, water absorption, biodegradability, cytocompatibility, barrier, mechanical, viscoelastic, antibacterial, and wound healing properties of the films have been analyzed. FT-IR spectra were used to obtain information about the nanoparticle-matrix interactions. The thermal stability, hydrophilicity, degree of porosity, water absorption, water vapor transmission rate (WVTR), oxygen permeability (Dk), and biodegradability of the films increased with the CS-ZnO loading. The WVTR and Dk data obtained are within the range of values reported for commercial wound dressings. Tensile tests demonstrated that the nanocomposites displayed a good balance between elasticity, strength, and flexibility under both dry and simulated body fluid (SBF) environments. The flexibility increased in a moist atmosphere due to the plasticization effect of absorbed water. The nanocomposites also exhibited significantly enhanced dynamic mechanical performance (storage modulus and glass transition temperature) than neat CO under different humidity conditions. The antibacterial activity of the films against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Micrococcus luteus bacteria was investigated in the presence and the absence of UV light. The biocide effect increased progressively with the CS-ZnO content and was systematically stronger against Gram-positive cells. Composites with nanoparticle loading ≤5.0 wt % exhibited very good in vitro cytocompatibility and enabled a faster wound healing than neat CO and control gauze, hence showing great potential to be applied as antibacterial wound dressings.

Development of linseed oil-TiO2 green nanocomposites as antimicrobial coatings

This study deals with the preparation and characterization of acrylated epoxidized linseed oil (AELO) based bionanocomposites for antimicrobial coating applications. AELO was synthesized from epoxidized vegetable oils, crosslinked with an acrylic monomer, reinforced with anatase TiO₂ nanoparticles and then subjected to UV irradiation to yield the cured nanocomposite coatings. The effect of TiO₂ loading on the morphology, barrier, thermal, mechanical, tribological and antibacterial performance of the coatings has been comprehensively investigated. FT-IR spectra indicated the existence of strong TiO₂-AELO hydrogen bonding interactions. The nanoparticles were randomly dispersed within the bioresin, significantly reducing its water absorption and gas permeability whilst increasing its thermal stability. They also promoted remarkable enhancements of both static and dynamic mechanical properties such as storage and Young's moduli, hardness, impact resistance and glass transition temperature. Strong reductions in the coefficient of friction and the wear rate were attained in the nanocomposites with the highest TiO₂ loadings. The coatings were found to display antimicrobial activity even in the absence of UV light, and the bactericidal effect against Staphylococcus aureus was higher than on Escherichia coli. Furthermore, the antimicrobial activity improved with increasing nanoparticle concentration. The use of these "green" nanocomposite coatings could be a suitable and inexpensive method to prevent microbial proliferation in public places, particularly in medical centers where there is higher risk of infections.

Nano-TiO2 reinforced PEEK/PEI blends as biomaterials for load-bearing implant applications

Biocompatible ternary nanocomposites based on poly(ether ether ketone) (PEEK)/poly(ether imide) (PEI) blends reinforced with bioactive titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles were fabricated via ultrasonication followed by melt-blending. The developed biomaterials were characterized using FT-IR, SEM, XRD, DSC, TGA, and DMA. Further, their water-absorption, tensile, tribological, dielectric, and antibacterial properties were evaluated. PEI acts as a coupling agent, since it can interact both with PEEK via π-π stacking and polar interactions as well as with the nanoparticles through hydrogen bonding, as corroborated by the FT-IR spectra, which resulted in a homogeneous titania dispersion within the biopolymer blend without applying any particle surface treatment or polymer functionalization. A change from promotion to retardation in the crystallization rate of the matrix was found with increasing TiO2 concentration, while its crystalline structure remained unaltered. The nanoparticles stiffened, strengthened, and toughened the matrix simultaneously, and the optimal properties were achieved at 4.0 wt % TiO2. More interesting, the tensile properties were retained after steam sterilization in an autoclave or exposure to a simulated body fluid (SBF). The nanocomposites also displayed reduced water absorption though higher thermal stability, storage modulus, glass transition temperature, dielectric constant, and dielectric loss compared to the control blend. Further, remarkable enhancements in the tribological properties under both SBF and dry environments were attained. The nanoparticles conferred antibacterial action versus Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria in the presence and the absence of UV light, and the highest inhibition was attained at 4.0 wt % nanoparticle concentration. These nanocomposites are expected to be used in long-term load-bearing implant applications.

Polyphenylsulfone-based solvent resistant nanofiltration (SRNF) membrane incorporated with copper-1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylate (Cu-BTC) nanoparticles for methanol separation

Mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) of various properties were prepared for a solvent resistant nanofiltration (SRNF) by incorporating polyphenylsulfone (PPSU) membranes with copper-1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylate (Cu-BTC) nanoparticles at different loadings.

Antimicrobial and sustainable food packaging based on poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) and electrospun chitosan nanofibers

PBAT/CS-NF bionanocomposites show an optimal combination of flexibility, strength, barrier, migration, and antibacterial properties, therefore are suitable for food packaging applications.