Biodegradable polylactide (PLA) fiber mats containing Al^sub 2^O3-Ag nanopowder prepared by electrospinning technique -- Antibacterial properties

This article presents a non-complex method of producing biodegradable polylactide (PLA) fiber mats containing Al^sub 2^O3-Ag nanopowder which display strong antimicrobial activities against E.coli and S. lutea. The method of preparing fiber mats was electrospinning. This article also gathers the results of the analysis of morphology and mechanical properties of both the Al^sub 2^O3 nanopowder and the PLA-Al^sub 2^O3/Ag fiber mats. The examination of the Al^sub 2^O3 nanopowder was conducted with the use of a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and surface area measurements (BET). The morphology of the PLAAl^sub 2^O3/Ag fiber mats was examined using SEM and TEM. The results of the study confirm the great potential of the electrospun PLA-Al^sub 2^O3/Ag fiber mats for antibacterial application.[PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]