Development of nanofiber structured bilayer bionanocomposites with antibacterial activity for wound dressing applications

The aim of this master's thesis is to develop a bilayered polymeric bionanocomposite with antibacterial activity for use in wound dressing applications. Within the scope of the study, suitable polymers for biomedical use (Polycaprolactone-PCL, Collagen-COL, Polyurethane-PU) were selected to design the target material. The primary layer of the wound dressing material was composed of a nanofiber surface, while the secondary layer consisted of a PU film. To impart antibacterial activity to the material, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized using plant extracts (Goldenrod-Helichrysum Arenarium, Yarrow-Rumex Acetosa, Tansy-Agrimonia Eupatoria) through a green chemistry approach. Additionally,Hydroxyapatite in nanoscale (HA), ceramic class widely used in biomedical applications and possessing drug delivery capabilities in recent years, was loaded with varying amounts of the drug (Ibuprofen).These synthesized nanocomposites were added to the PCL/Col polmer matrix, elektrospun into nanofiber form as the main scaffold, and immobilized onto the PU film as the secondary layer. Through this method, a bilayered wound dressing material (PCL/Col║PU based-nanofiber║film formed) was obtained. Experimental studies were conducted using appropriate analysis methods to evaluate the structural and physical properties of the material. The structure and properties of the obtained bionanocomposites were examined through FTIR, XRD, SEM and EDX analyses, while characteristics such as wetting behavior, mechanical strength, in vitro drug release and antibacterial activity were evaluated.