Antimicrobial properties of spray-dried silver–zinc nanozeolite particles and their application in formulating antimicrobial electrospun polymeric fibers

(MRSA). The results of the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), morphological changes in bacteria upon SDZNP treatment, development of antimicrobial resistance, biofilm inhibition and ability to kill bacteria within RAW 264.7 macrophages are presented. Cytotoxicity and hemolysis assays suggest a dosage dependent effect on toxicity. To demonstrate the practical applications of SDZNPs, we incorporated these particles into electrospun fibers of polymers, namely polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA). The mechanical properties of the SDZNP fibers as well as the antimicrobial activity and cytotoxicity of the fibers are examined. The PMMA fibers performed significantly better than the PVDF fibers in antimicrobial tests, while both fibers were not cytotoxic at the dosages examined. We hypothesize that the difference in the antimicrobial properties is related to the zeolite particles being located more on the surface of the PMMA fibers and being more accessible.