The fabrications and characterizations of antibacterial PVA/Cu nanofibers composite membranes by synthesis of Cu nanoparticles from solution reduction, nanofibers reduction and immersion methods

In this novel innovative report, the antibacterial PVA/Cu nanofibers membranes were successfully fabricated by synthesizing and loading the Cu nanoparticles in nanofibers reduction, solution reduction, and immersion methods. The morphology of the resultant antibacterial membranes was investigated by scan electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The chemical interaction was investigated by FT-IR, XPS, and EDS. The hydrophilicity of antibacterial test was investigated by water contact angle and the release behavior of Cu nanoparticles from PVA/Cu nanofibers membranes was investigated by inductively coupled plasma (ICP) study. Stress-strain behavior was studied by tensile strength test and antibacterial activity was done by Agar diffusion disc method. The resultant antibacterial membranes showed appreciable results in all characterizations. It was concluded that PVA/Cu nanofibers membranes having great potential for antibacterial properties but the membranes in which Cu nanoparticles were loaded by immersion method have highest potential than other nanofiber reduction and solution reduction methods because these PVA/Cu nanofibers membranes have 17 and 15 inhibition zone against Gram-negative Escherichia coli and Gram-positive Staphylococcus aurous bacteria which is near to Rifampicin (+ve standard) 26 and 24, respectively.