Polyelectrolyte-Surfactant Complex Nanofibrous Membranes for Antibacterial Applications

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Polyelectrolyte-surfactant complexes (PESCs) are versatile materials with broad applications.
• Current applications are limited to liquid or emulsion states, hindering solid-state uses.
• Developing solid-state PESC materials is crucial for expanding their utility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To fabricate solid-state polyelectrolyte-surfactant complex (PESC) electrospun membranes.
• To investigate the formation kinetics of PESCs.
• To evaluate the antibacterial efficacy of the developed membranes.

Main Methods:

• Electrospinning of pre-hydrolyzed polyacrylonitrile (HPAN) and quaternary ammonium salts (QAS).
• Observation of PESC formation in solution.
• Fabrication of hybrid PESC/PCL electrospun membranes.
• Antibacterial testing against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus).

Main Results:

• The rate of PESC formation is influenced by the degree of PAN hydrolysis and surfactant alkyl chain length.
• PESCs/PCL hybrid electrospun membranes were successfully fabricated.
• The membranes demonstrated high bactericidal efficacy against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria.

Conclusions:

• Solid-state PESC electrospun membranes can be effectively produced.
• The developed membranes exhibit potent antibacterial properties.
• These materials show promise for future biomedical and filtration applications.