Multifunctional electrospun PVA/flaxseed mucilage/green tea extract/vitamin C/green synthesized AgNP nanofibers with enhanced antioxidant and antibacterial properties for biomedical and food packaging applications
摘要
In recent years, nanotechnological materials enriched with biologically active components have attracted significant attention due to their potential in the healthcare field. In this study, multifunctional electrospun nanofibers containing polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), flaxseed mucilage (FSM), green tea extract (GTE), vitamin C (vitC), and green-synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were successfully produced and comprehensively characterized. Composite nanofibers were fabricated via electrospinning, and their morphological, structural, thermal, mechanical, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties were systematically investigated. SEM analysis revealed that the incorporation of FSM reduced fiber diameter and promoted the formation of uniform, bead-free nanofiber structures. FTIR results confirmed the presence of strong intermolecular interactions, particularly hydrogen bonding among components. XRD analysis demonstrated that the semi-crystalline structure of PVA transformed into a more amorphous structure upon the addition of FSM, GTE, vitC, and AgNPs. Thermal analyses indicated that these additives enhanced the thermal stability of the polymer matrix. Mechanical tests showed a decrease in tensile strength and elongation values due to disruption of polymer chain organization; however, this was considered acceptable in view of the improved functional properties. The antioxidant activity, determined by the DPPH method, increased significantly from 4.92% for pure PVA to 81.78% in composite nanofibers, demonstrating a strong synergistic effect of FSM, GTE, vitC, and AgNP components. Furthermore, the nanofibers maintained their antioxidant stability over time. Antibacterial tests confirmed significant inhibition zones against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus subtilis. Overall, the developed nanofibers show great potential for wound dressing, drug delivery, tissue engineering, and active food packaging applications.