Electrospun Membrane of Poly(Vinyl Alcohol)/Polyvinylpyrrolidone Functionalized With Copper Nanoparticles: Evaluation of Antimicrobial Properties and Particulate Matter Filtering

Abstract

Electrospun materials are widely used in filtering applications due to their excellent dynamic properties. However, their solubility and mechanical strength limit their use in humid environments. A nanostructured device based on poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), reinforced with copper nanoparticles (CuNps), was designed to impart antimicrobialproperties, modify fiber diameters, and improve solution conductivity for environmental applications such as filtering devices.Morphological, tensile, thermal, and antimicrobial analyses and filtering of particulate matter were conducted to evaluate the impact of CuNps on the electrospun mat. Mechanical tests demonstrated that the addition of CuNp enhanced the ultimate tensile strength from 13 to 53 MPa. The electrical conductivity of the solution, improved by CuNps, enabled the production of fibers with adequate diameters, and as a result, the fibers became thinner and more uniform. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and ATR-FTIR analyses indicated the presence of CuNp and their interaction with the polymer mat. Antimicrobial tests revealed excellent properties against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and Candida albicans. Heat treatment of the fibrous structures improved their solubility, making them suitable for use in high-humidity environments. The application of the PVA–PVPCu mats as filters, using electrostatic precipitator TDA equipment, enabled the retention of a particulate matter of 2.5 and 10 μm, confirming that these electrospun biocompatible mats can be efficient and cost-effective air filtration devices.