Novel multifunctional nanofibers based on thermoplastic polyurethane and ionic liquid: towards antibacterial, anti-electrostatic and hydrophilic nonwovens by electrospinning

Nanotechnology. 2015 Mar 13;26(10):105704. doi: 10.1088/0957-4484/26/10/105704. Epub 2015 Feb 17.

Abstract

Novel antibacterial, anti-electrostatic, and hydrophilic nanofibers based on a blend containing thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and a room-temperature ionic liquid (IL), 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate [BMIM][PF6], were fabricated by electrospinning. We investigated the effect of the IL on the morphology and the physical properties of the TPU nanofibers. Nanofibers with a 'bead-on-string' morphology were obtained by electrospinning from a neat TPU solution. The incorporation of the IL, at levels as low as 1 wt%, largely suppressed the formation of beads during electrospinning, and homogeneous nanofibers were obtained. The as-spun TPU/IL composite nanofibers showed significant activity against both Escherichia coli (E coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), with antibacterial activities of more than four and three, respectively. This means that the antibacterial efficiencies of TPU/IL composite nanofibers toward E coli and S. aureus are 99.99% and 99.9%, respectively. Moreover, nonwoven fabrics derived from the electrospun TPU/IL composite nanofibers exhibit better stretchability, elasticity, and higher electrical conductivity compared to those made using neat TPU without an IL. Additionally, the incorporation of the IL leads to a hydrophilic surface for the TPU/IL composite nanofibers compared to hydrophobic neat TPU nanofibers. These multifunctional nanofibers with excellent antibacterial, anti-electrostatic, and mechanical properties and improved hydrophilicity are promising candidates for biomedical and wastewater treatment applications.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / chemistry*
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology
  • Escherichia coli / drug effects
  • Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions
  • Imidazoles / chemistry
  • Ionic Liquids / chemistry
  • Materials Testing*
  • Nanofibers / chemistry*
  • Nanofibers / ultrastructure
  • Polyurethanes / chemistry
  • Staphylococcus aureus / drug effects
  • Static Electricity*
  • Textiles

Substances

  • 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Imidazoles
  • Ionic Liquids
  • Polyurethanes