Development of Superhydrophobic Microfibers for Bandage Coatings

In this research work, a fabricated composite fiber is proposed to protect wound surfaces from infectious organisms present in water. The composite fiber comprising PMMA, ZnO, and zinc stearate was developed using an electrospinning technique. The fiber surface was scientifically studied using scanning electron microscope, Energy dispersive analysis of X-rays, powder X-ray diffraction analysis and Fourier transform Infra-Red analysis. The pores present in between perpendicularly aligned fibers serves as an excellent medium for vapor transport to a wound surface. The maximum water contact angle of the developed fiber surface was approximately 151 degrees. A commercial cotton bandage after coated with this composite layer behaves as a perfect barrier to the entry of infectious water towards the wound. The pores in the fiber surface support rich supply of environmental oxygen and transport of exudate vapor from the wound. This fiber when coated over a cotton bandage cloth on one side served as an excellent wound protecting bandage against the penetration of external microbial water and also it admits the air, water vapor etc., towards the interior. Water penetration ability of hydrophilic cotton bandage and the water arresting ability of superhydrophobic fiber coated bandage were evaluated using a facile technique. Furthermore, antimicrobial activity of test samples was evaluated against gram positive and gram negative microorganism. Also, a bacterial infiltration test supports the blocking capability of superhydrophobic fiber to water-borne bacteria. The results obtained through this experiment may be used in future as wound healing bandages in an efficient manner.