Poly (L-lactic acid) coated microwave synthesized hybrid antibacterial particles

Abstract

Ag/ZnO submicro particles were prepared by microwave assisted synthesis and coated with a polycondensate of L-lactic acid to enhance their compatibility with living organism and further processability for medical device preparation. The coating process was carried out by using the method of oil-in-water emulsification and solvent evaporation under reduced pressure. The effect of poly (L-lactic acid) molecular weight and carboxyl functionalization on properties of the resulting particles was studied in this work. Prepared systems were characterized on particle by scanning electron microscopy and thermogravimetry. Moreover, antibacterial activity against Gram positive and Gram negative bacterial strains were investigated by testing in liquid bacterial suspension of Gram negative and Gram positive bacterial strains. The results show a significant effect of polymer matrix on coating process as well as good antibacterial activity of the Ag/ZnO particles, which is reduced due to the polymer coating treatment.