Evaluation of the resistance to bacterial growth of star-shaped poly(ε-caprolactone)-co-poly(ethylene glycol) grafted onto functionalized carbon nanotubes nanocomposites

An Overview of Antimicrobial Properties of Carbon Nanotubes-Based Nanocomposites

The development of carbon-based nanomaterials has extensively facilitated new discoveries in various fields. Carbon nanotube-based nanocomposites (CNT-based nanocomposites) have lately recognized as promising biomaterials for a wide range of biomedical applications due to their unique electronic, mechanical, and biological properties. Nanocomposite materials such as silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), polymers, biomolecules, enzymes, and peptides have been reported in many studies, possess a broad range of antibacterial activity when incorporated with carbon nanotubes (CNTs). It is crucial to understand the mechanism which governs the antimicrobial activity of these CNT-based nanocomposite materials, including the decoupling individual and synergistic effects on the cells. In this review, the interaction behavior between microorganisms and different types of CNT-based nanocomposites is summarized to understand the respective antimicrobial performance in different conditions. Besides, the current development stage of CNT-based nanocomposite materials, the technical challenges faced, and the exceptional prospect of implementing potential antimicrobial CNT-based nanocomposite materials are also discussed.

Branched versus linear lactide chains for cellulose nanoparticle modification: an atomistic molecular dynamics study

We studied the structure of brushes consisting of branched oligolactide (OLA) chains grafted onto the surface of cellulose nanoparticles (CNPs) in polylactide (PLA) and compared the outcomes to the case of grafting linear OLA chains using atomistic molecular dynamics simulations. The systems were considered in a melt state. The branched model OLA chains comprised one branching point and three branches, while the linear OLA chains examined had a molecular weight similar to the branched chains. It was shown that free branches of the branched OLA chains tend to fold back toward the CNPs due to dipole-dipole interactions within the grafted layer, in contrast to the well-established behavior of the grafted uncharged branched chains. This result, however, is in qualitative agreement with the conformational behavior known for linear OLA chains. At the same time, no significant difference in the effectiveness of covering the filler surface with grafted branched or linear OLA chains was found. In terms of the expelling ability of the grafted chains and the interaction between PLA and CNP or OLA, the linear chains were broadly similar (sparse grafting) or better (intermediate or dense grafting) compared to the branched ones. Thus, the grafted lactide chains with a linear architecture, rather than their branched counterpart, may be preferable for the covalent modification of cellulose nanoparticles.