Using CLEM to investigate the distribution of nano-sized antimicrobial agents within an EVOH matrix

ABSTRACT

Efficient characterization of the distribution of antimicrobial agents within a polymer matrix is of vital importance. Two antimicrobial agents, chitin nanowhiskers (ChNWs) and chitosan-based silver nanoparticles (CTSAgNPs), were produced and incorporated separately as well as combined into a poly(ethylene-co-vinyl alcohol) (EVOH) matrix by way of electrospinning. Correlative light and electron microscopy (CLEM) and energy dispersive X-ray mapping provided a holistic approach to visualize the distribution of the combinations of AgNPs and ChNWs within EVOH fibers. CLEM analysis revealed the tendency of the ChNWs to align themselves on the surface of the fibers, while the silver nanoparticles were localized inside the polymer matrix.

KEYWORDS:

• Chitin nanowhiskers
• CLEM
• electrospinning
• nanocomposites
• silver nanoparticles

Additional information

Funding

This work is based on the research supported in part by the National Research Foundation of South Africa for the grant, Unique Grant No. 94024.