Fabrication and Characterization of Silver Nanoparticles Loaded Electrospun PLA Nanofibers for Filtration

Abstract

Electrospinning is the most promising mechanism to draw polymer fibers in the micrometer to nanometer domain. In this technique, one can interplay with different processing parameters as well as solution parameters to draw variable fibers depending upon their applications. PLA is a thermoplastic, biodegradable, biocompatible polymer utilized to draw nanofibers through electrospinning. These fibers when functionalized with silver nanoparticles have a wide spectrum of applications such as filtration, biomedical, and tissue engineering. In this study, the electrospinning mechanism was studied on both homemade and commercial electrospinning setup. PLA and silver nanoparticles incorporated PLA micro and nanofibers were manufactured. The aim is to optimize the electrospinning parameters and to fabricate fiber mats suitable for applications in filtration. To sustain the electrospinning process smoothly, binary solvent systems were utilized to make a homogenous PLA electrospinning solution. Different amount of PLA polymer was added in solvents until desired results were achieved. Silver nanoparticles were made in situ during solution preparation. After optimization, silver nanoparticles loaded PLA nanofibers at different concentrations were electrospun. UV-VIS and DRS spectroscopy was done to confirm the presence of silver nanoparticles in the sample. SEM images showed the presence of uniform nanofibers. EDS was done to identify the elemental composition. Optical profilometry of nanofibers was done to check the thickness profile of derived fibers. It was observed that the thickness of nanofibers was reduced by the addition of silver nanoparticles. FTIR shows the functional groups present and XRD was done to determine the crystalline structure of fabricated fibers.