STSM asignment description:
The objective of this STSM is the fabrication of phytochemical based antimicrobial nanofibers via electrospinning which may find application in medical devices for the purpose of infection prevention and control. Through collaboration with TÜBİTAK MRC and Zurich University, it is planned to perform the nanofabrication studies and some of the preliminary morphological characterisations at the Zurich University, and then to done the antimicrobial activity tests of the nanofibers at the BSL II Microbiology Lab at TÜBİTAK MRC, Biomaterials, Biomechanics and Bioelectronics Center. Polylactic acid (PLA) will be used for the nanofiber fabrication.
Gallic acid, ferulic acid and tannic acid will be used at different ratios as antimicrobial agents for the studies. The electrospinning parameters will be optimised for obtaining smooth and robust nanofiber structures. The preliminary morphological characterisation will be done via scanning electron microscopy. The antimicrobial activity of the nanofibers will be assessed against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. A joint publication between TÜBİTAK MRC, Yalova University and Zurich University will be the main deliverable of this STSM.
STSM Applicant:
Dilayda Kaymaz, MS student, Yalova University Polymer Engineering, Yalova (TR), dilayda.polimer@gmail.com, olmez@tubitak.gov.tr.
Hosting by:
Prof. Dr. Christian Adlhart, Lecturer, Head of Functional Materials and Nanotechnology, ICBT Institute of Chemistry and Biotechnology, ZHAW Zurich University of Applied Sciences, Switzerland (CH), christian.adlhart@zhaw.ch.
From 13th March 2018 to 2nd April 2018.
