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Bioactive Electrospun Polycaprolactone Films with Gallic Acid-Loaded Mesoporous Silica Nanoplatelets for Enhanced
Changliang An1, Samuel A Oyon1, Fei Zhang1
1Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, Florida International University, Miami, Florida 33174, United States.
ACS Materials Au
|September 15, 2025
Summary
This study developed electrospun nanofiber films with gallic acid-loaded silica nanoparticles to enhance seed germination and seedling growth. The novel films offer a sustainable alternative for agricultural productivity, improving corn and bean seed germination rates.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Agricultural Science
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Improving seed germination and early seedling development is crucial for agricultural productivity.
- Conventional germination substrates may lack functionality or sustainability.
- Nanomaterials offer potential for advanced agricultural applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop electrospun nanofiber films incorporating gallic acid-loaded, amine-functionalized mesoporous silica nanoplatelets (H-MSN-NH2@GA) within a polycaprolactone (PCL) matrix.
- To evaluate the impact of these composite films on seed germination and early seedling growth.
- To assess the physical and mechanical properties of the developed nanofiber films.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of hexagonal mesoporous silica nanoplatelets (H-MSNs) via sol-gel method.
- Functionalization of H-MSNs with amine groups (using AAPTS) for gallic acid (GA) loading.
- Incorporation of functionalized/non-functionalized H-MSNs (with/without GA) into a PCL matrix for electrospinning.
- Fabrication of various nanofiber film compositions and characterization of their properties (hydrophobicity, water vapor transmission, mechanical strength).
- Evaluation of film performance on corn and bean seed germination and root growth.
Main Results:
- All electrospun films exhibited hydrophobic characteristics and high water vapor transmission rates (>3000 g/m2/day), unaffected by additive incorporation.
- Mechanical properties varied with composition, as indicated by tensile tests.
- The 10% H-MSN-NH2@GA/PCL film significantly enhanced corn (100%) and bean (70% higher) seed germination at 72 hours compared to controls.
- Specific formulations promoted or inhibited root growth in corn and bean seedlings, demonstrating composition-dependent effects.
Conclusions:
- Electrospun PCL films incorporating gallic acid-loaded mesoporous silica nanoplatelets are effective in enhancing seed germination.
- The films maintain desirable physical properties like hydrophobicity and high water vapor permeability.
- These functional nanofiber films present a promising, sustainable alternative to traditional germination substrates for improving agricultural outcomes.
