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MARIA CHIARA MISTRETTA

Effect of graphene nanoplatelets on the physical and antimicrobial properties of biopolymer-based nanocomposites

  • Authors: Scaffaro, R.; Botta, L.; Maio, A.; Mistretta, M.; La Mantia, F.
  • Publication year: 2016
  • Type: Articolo in rivista (Articolo in rivista)
  • Key words: Antimicrobial activity; Ciprofloxacin; Drug release; Graphene nanoplatelets (GnPs); Nanocomposites; Poly(lactic acid) (PLA); Materials Science (all)
  • OA Link: http://hdl.handle.net/10447/181296

Abstract

In this work, biopolymer-based nanocomposites with antimicrobial properties were prepared via melt-compounding. In particular, graphene nanoplatelets (GnPs) as fillers and an antibiotic, i.e., ciprofloxacin (CFX), as biocide were incorporated in a commercial biodegradable polymer blend of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and a copolyester (BioFlex®). The prepared materials were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and rheological and mechanical measurements. Moreover, the effect of GnPs on the antimicrobial properties and release kinetics of CFX was evaluated. The results indicated that the incorporation of GnPs increased the stiffness of the biopolymeric matrix and allowed for the tuning of the release of CFX without hindering the antimicrobial activity of the obtained materials.