Biodegradable polycaprolactone-titania nanocomposites: preparation, characterization and antimicrobial properties

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Science
• Nanotechnology
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Biodegradable polymers like polycaprolactone (PCL) are attractive for various applications.
• Incorporating nanoparticles can enhance polymer properties and introduce new functionalities.
• Titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles are known for their photocatalytic and antimicrobial potential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize polycaprolactone/titanium dioxide (PCL/TiO2) nanocomposites.
• To investigate the structural, thermal, and antimicrobial properties of these nanocomposites.
• To explore the potential of PCL/TiO2 nanocomposites for antibacterial applications.

Main Methods:

• Melt processing was used to incorporate varying amounts (0.5–5 wt.%) of TiO2 nanoparticles into a PCL matrix.
• Structural and thermal characterization employed transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (WAXS/SAXS), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC).
• Antimicrobial activity was assessed against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus using UV and visible light.

Main Results:

• TEM confirmed excellent nanometric dispersion of TiO2 nanoparticles within the PCL matrix, with minimal aggregation.
• TiO2 nanoparticles acted as nucleating agents, enhancing PCL crystallization.
• The nanocomposites exhibited significant antimicrobial activity against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, attributed to the material's optical properties and new electronic states.

Conclusions:

• Straightforward melt processing enables the creation of well-dispersed PCL/TiO2 nanocomposites.
• The incorporation of TiO2 nanoparticles improves PCL crystallization and imparts antimicrobial properties.
• These PCL/TiO2 nanocomposites show promise for applications requiring biodegradable and antibacterial materials.