Fabrication of electrospun nanofibrous thermoresponsive semi-interpenetrating poly(-isopropylacrylamide)/polyvinyl alcohol networks containing ZnO nanoparticle mats: characterization and antibacterial and cytocompatibility evaluation.

Thermoresponsive nanofiber composites comprising biopolymers and ZnO nanoparticles with controlled release and antibacterial activity are fascinating scientific research areas. Herein, poly(-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAm) was prepared and mixed with poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) in 75/25 and 50/50 weight ratios together with ZnO (0, 1, and 2 phr) to construct nanofiber composites. The morphology of the crosslinked nanofiber composites, ZnO content, and their mechanical behavior were assessed by SEM, EDX, and tensile analyses.