Poly (ε-Caprolactone)/Cellulose Nanofiber Blend Nanocomposites Containing ZrO2 Nanoparticles: A New Biocompatible...

In the present study, the poly (ε-caprolactone)/cellulose nanofiber containing ZrO₂ nanoparticles (PCL/CNF/ZrO₂ ) nanocomposite was synthesized for wound dressing bandage with antimicrobial activity. PCL/CNF/ZrO₂ nanocomposite was synthesized in three different zirconium dioxide amount (0.5, 1, 2%). Also the prepared nanocomposites were characterized by Infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). In addition, the morphology of the samples was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Analysis of the XRD spectra showed a preserved structure for PCL semi-crystalline in nanocomposites and an increase in the concentrations of ZrO₂ nanoparticles, the structure of nanocomposite was amorphous as well. The results of TGA, DTA, DSC showed thermal stability and strength properties for the nanocomposites which were more thermal stable and thermal integrate compared to PCL. The contact angles of the nanocomposites narrowed as the amount of ZrO₂ in the structure increased. The evaluation of biological activities showed that the PCL/CNF/ZrO₂ nanocomposite with various concentrations of ZrO₂ nanoparticles exhibited moderate to good antimicrobial activity against all tested bacterial and fungal strains. Furthermore, cytocompatibility of the scaffolds was assessed by MTT assay and cell viability studies proved the non-toxic nature of the nanocomposites. The results show that the biodegradability of nanocomposite has advantages that can be used as wound dressing.