PLA graphene nanoplatelets nanocomposites: Physical properties and release kinetics of an antimicrobial agent

Graphene nanoplatelets (GnP) as filler and ciprofloxacin (CFX) as biocide were incorporated via melt-compounding into poly(lactic acid) (PLA) to obtain biopolymer-based nanocomposites with antimicrobial properties. GnP were added with the aim of improving the mechanical properties of the antimicrobial system and tuning the drug release. The obtained systems were mechanically characterized in tensile mode by quasi-static and dynamic mechanical tests. Furthermore, rheological measurements were performed. The morphology of the samples was analyzed through scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Moreover, a mathematical model, i.e. power law model, was used to fit the release data in order to investigate the release mechanism. The results showed that the obtained nanocomposite systems exhibit antimicrobial activity. The incorporation of GnP increased the stiffness of the matrix and allowed to reduce the burst release effect.