Synergistic Integration of α-AgWO into PLA/PBAT for the Development of Electrospun Membranes: Advancing Structural Integrity and Antimicrobial Efficacy.

The rising resistance of various pathogens and the demand for materials that prevent infections drive the need to develop broad-spectrum antimicrobial membranes capable of combating a range of microorganisms, thereby enhancing safety in biomedical and industrial applications. Herein, we introduce a simple and efficient technique to engineer membranes composed of polylactic acid (PLA) and polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT) biopolymers and α-AgWO particles using an electrospinning technique. The corresponding structural, thermal, mechanical, and antimicrobial properties were characterized. X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns confirmed the integration of crystalline α-AgWO within the polymer matrix. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Raman confocal microscopy revealed uniformly dispersed α-AgWO particles in the electrospun fibers, influencing their diameter and surface roughness. Thermal analysis indicated adjustments in the thermal stability and crystallinity of the composites with an increasing α-AgWO content. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) highlighted variations in storage modulus and glass transition temperatures due to interactions between α-AgWO and polymer chains, with tensile tests showing an increase in elastic modulus and ultimate tensile strength as the α-AgWO content increased. Antimicrobial assessments revealed that PLA/PBAT membranes with α-AgWO showed pronounced antibacterial activity, forming inhibition halos across all samples against , methicillin-resistant , and (a surrogate for ). These membranes also exhibited potent antiviral activity against bacteriophage phi 6, a surrogate for SARS-CoV-2, suggesting potential applications in combating infections caused by enveloped viruses. The antimicrobial activities are attributed to the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the controlled release of Ag ions. This work underscores the multifaceted capabilities of α-AgWO-enhanced PLA/PBAT membranes in combating bacterial and viral growth, where both durability and microbial resistance are critical. Taken together, our findings provide a solution for obtaining advanced materials to be applied in a wide range of industrial applications, such as filtration systems, food preservation, antimicrobial coatings, protective textiles, and cleaning products.