Preparation, characterization, and evaluation of a heparin-benzalkonium chloride-graphite oxide/polymethylvinyl siloxane nanocomposite

Abstract

A heparin (Hep)-benzalkonium chloride (C12)-graphite oxide (GO)/polymethylvinyl siloxane (PMVS) nancomposite was prepared via melting intercalation at different temperatures. Scanning electron microscopy images showed the Hep-C12-GO was well dispersed into PMVS processed at 100°C. Mechanical properties measurement demonstrated that the addition of Hep-C12-GO maintained its strength. XRD data indicated that Hep-C12-GO lost its layer structure completely. FTIR results suggested that Hep-C12-GO interacted with PMVS strongly. Antibacterial activity of resulting nanocomposite was evaluated using zone of inhibition and bacteria adhesion methods. The results demonstrated that Hep-C12-GO/PMVS had a good capability against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Antithrombogenic properties were assessed using platelet adhesion experiment and the results showed that Hep-C12-GO/PMVS was blood-compatible.