| Abstract: | Bacteria‐caused infection remains an issue in the treatment of bone defects by means of Mg‐Zn‐Ca alloy implants. This study aimed to improve the antibacterial properties of an Mg‐Zn‐Ca alloy by coating with chitosan‐based nanofibers with incorporated silver sulfadiazine (AgSD) and multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). AgSD and MWCNTs were prepared at a weight ratio of 1:1 and then added to chitosan at varying concentrations (ie, 0, 0.25, 0.5, and 1.5 wt.%) to form composites. The obtained composites were ejected in nanofiber form using an electrospinning technique and coated on the surface of an Mg‐Zn‐Ca alloy to improve its antibacterial properties. A microstructural examination by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed the diameter of chitosan nanofiber ejected increased with the concentration of AgSD‐MWCNTs. The incorporation of AgSD‐MWCNTs into the chitosan nanofibers was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Examination of the antibacterial activity shows that chitosan nanofibers with AgSD‐MWCNTs can significantly inhibit the growth and infiltration of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Biocompatibility assay and cell morphology observations demonstrate that AgSD‐MWCNTs incorporated into nanofibers are cytocompatible. Taken together, the results of this study demonstrate the potential application of electrospun chitosan with AgSD‐MWCNTs as an antibacterial coating on Mg‐Zn‐Ca alloy implants for bone treatment. |
