PLLA microcapsules combined with silver nanoparticles and chlorhexidine acetate showing improved antibacterial effect

- Chlorhexidine acetate (CA) was applied as both antimicrobial drug and surfactant for microcapsule preparation.
- With CA and silver nanoparticle, composite microcapsules promise a rapid and sustained antibacterial effect.
- Composite microcapsules can be modified on the surface of polymer film, promising applications on surgical dressing, etc.

In this study, composite antibacterial microcapsules combining of two antibacterial agents: chlorhexidine acetate and silver nanoparticle were prepared. The chlorhexidine acetate was encapsulated inside of the microcapsules and nano-sized silver particles were modified on the surface of microcapsules by electrostatic adsorption methods. Results show that this method decreases the silver usage dramatically, and promises a sustained antibacterial effect > 30 days. These microcapsules can also be modified on the surface of polymer films easily, which demonstrated the potential in functionalizing the implanted materials with antibacterial property.

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