Development of antibacterial titanium dioxide nanoparticles loaded micro-pillars

Scientists classify a material as a "nanoparticle" when its size ranges between 1 to 100 nm. Due to this very small size, nanoparticles have a very large surface area to volume ratio, and that gives them unique optical, physical, and chemical properties. Different classes of nanoparticles exist based on different shapes, sizes, and properties. Titanium dioxide nanoparticle is a metal oxide nanoparticle and is widely used in many applications due to its photocatalytic activity. The antibacterial activity of TiO2 NPs makes it a good candidate for usage in the healthcare field such as wound dressing, dental implants, sanitizers, anticancer therapies, and drug delivery. The aim of this thesis is the development of antibacterial titanium dioxide nanoparticle loaded micro-pillars. The significance of this design originates from its small size, reusability, and ease to manufacture. Within the scope of this thesis, the fused deposition modelling (FDM) 3D printing technique is used for the printing of polycaprolactone (PCL)-based scaffold. TiO2 nanoparticle micro-pillars design was obtained through the modification process of the scaffold after the loading of TiO2 NPs/PDMS composite.