Poly(ethylene terephthalate) yarn with antibacterial properties

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Biomedical Engineering
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) is a widely used synthetic polymer.
• Grafting poly(acrylic acid) (poly(AA)) onto PET enhances its functional properties.
• Antibiotic immobilization on biomaterials is crucial for combating infections.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a drug delivery system using modified PET fibers.
• To immobilize the cephalosporin antibiotic, Lendacin, onto poly(AA)-grafted PET.
• To investigate the release kinetics and bioactivity of the immobilized antibiotic.

Main Methods:

• Poly(ethylene terephthalate) yarn was grafted with poly(acrylic acid).
• Lendacin was loaded onto the modified PET fibers via ionic interactions.
• Drug release was monitored over 550 hours and analyzed using a double exponential equation.
• In vitro bioactivity assays were performed against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Main Results:

• Drug loading efficiency ranged from 0.61 to 5.29% wt/wt.
• Lendacin release followed a double exponential pattern, indicating an initial burst release followed by sustained release.
• The drug-loaded PET fibers exhibited significant bioactivity against the tested bacterial strains.

Conclusions:

• Poly(acrylic acid)-grafted PET fibers provide a viable platform for immobilizing cephalosporin antibiotics like Lendacin.
• The developed material demonstrates controlled drug release properties.
• The immobilized Lendacin retains its bioactivity, suggesting potential applications in antimicrobial textiles and medical devices.