Percolated network formation in biocidal 3D porous PCL/clay nanocomposite scaffolds: effect of organic modifier on interfacial and water sorption properties

Abstract

The influence of chemical interaction between poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) and Cloisite 10A on rheology, water permeability and antibacterial properties were subjected to detailed investigation. Mats of PCL with varying amounts of Cloisite 10A were prepared by electrospinning technique. The hydrogen bonding interaction between PCL and the organic modifier present in Cloisite 10A encourages the exfoliation/intercalation of Cloisite 10A resulting in a strong immobilized polymeric zone which was confirmed by small angle oscillatory shear experiments (SAOS). Unimpeded permeation of water through a PCL–Cloisite 10A porous nanocomposites scaffold was confirmed by different diffusion models. This strong immobilized zone or percolated network formation, aids in the elution of the organic modifier present in the nanoclay, which leads to the rupture of the cell wall of the bacteria. The antibacterial properties were tested using Gram positive bacteria and compared with the results obtained for Gram negative bacteria to test the use of our nanocomposites for wound healing applications.