title: Biodegradable polycaprolactone-titania nanocomposites: preparation, characterization and antimicrobial properties.
abstract: Nanocomposites obtained from the incorporation of synthesized TiO2 nanoparticles (≈10 nm average primary particle size) in different amounts, ranging from 0.5 to 5 wt.%, into a biodegradable polycaprolactone matrix are achieved via a straightforward and commercial melting processing. The resulting nanocomposites have been structurally and thermally characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), wide/small angle X-ray diffraction (WAXS/SAXS, respectively) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). TEM evaluation provides evidence of an excellent nanometric dispersion of the oxide component in the polymeric matrix, with aggregates having an average size well below 100 nm. Presence of these TiO2 nanoparticles induces a nucleant effect during polymer crystallization. Moreover, the antimicrobial activity of nanocomposites has been tested using both UV and visible light against Gram-negative Escherichia coli bacteria and Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus. The bactericidal behavior has been explained through the analysis of the material optical properties, with a key role played by the creation of new electronic states within the polymer-based nanocomposites.
authors: Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología de Polímeros (ICTP-CSIC), C/Juan de la Cierva 3, 28006 Madrid, Spain. sbonilla@ictp.csic.es.
authors: Alexandra
authors: A
authors: Muñoz-Bonilla
authors: María L
authors: ML
authors: Cerrada
authors: Marta
authors: M
authors: Fernández-García
authors: Anna
authors: A
authors: Kubacka
authors: Manuel
authors: M
authors: Ferrer
authors: Marcos
authors: M
authors: Fernández-García
mesh_terms: D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000138:chemical synthesis* / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001673:Biodegradation, Environmental / Q000187:drug effects; D002152:Calorimetry, Differential Scanning; D008826:Microbial Sensitivity Tests; D050296:Microbial Viability / Q000187:drug effects; D053761:Nanocomposites / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D044367:Phase Transition; D011091:Polyesters / Q000138:chemical synthesis* / Q000494:pharmacology*; D053838:Scattering, Small Angle; D013056:Spectrophotometry, Ultraviolet; D013696:Temperature; D013818:Thermogravimetry; D014025:Titanium / Q000494:pharmacology*; D014961:X-Ray Diffraction
chemical_list: D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D011091:Polyesters; C009495:titanium dioxide; C016240:polycaprolactone; D014025:Titanium
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