Electrospun antibacterial nanofibrous polyvinylpyrrolidone/ cetyltrimethylammonium bromide membranes for biomedical applications

Nanoscale structures with large surface area-to-volume ratios are used as biomaterial scaffolds for vascular grafts, wound dressings, and air purifying filters. Using electrospinning, nanofibers containing an antibacterial agent, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide, were prepared for wound healing application. Polyvinylpyrrolidone, known as a biocompatible additive in food and drug industries, has been used as fiber processing agent with the organic active ingredient, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide. A series of samples with different polyvinylpyrrolidone/ cetyltrimethylammonium bromide ratios were successfully prepared by this method. The morphology and electroactive characteristics of nanofibers were investigated using scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Fiber diameters and charge transfer resistances were found to decrease with salt content, while the double-layer capacitance increased with no apparent effect on the specific capacitance providing favorable conditions for the fabrication of biomaterials. In addition, the quaternary ammonium compound (cetyltrimethylammonium bromide) with a minimum ratio of 2.5 wt% showed reduction in bacterial activity of Klebsiella pneumonia, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli.