Preparation of Cu-BTC/PVA Fibers with Antibacterial Applications

In this study, a metal-organic framework (MOF)/polymer electrospun fiber was prepared. The MOF, copper-1,3,5- benzenetricarboxylate (Cu-BTC), was synthesized using a sonochemical method at 25 °C, with a 1:1:1 mixture of dimethylformamide, ethanol, and deionized water as solvent. The sonication time was shown to have a pronounced effect on the morphology and structure of the Cu-BTC. A square pyramid shape with sides of 100 nm was obtained after 2 h of sonication. Extending the sonication time provided a lower amount of unknown phase and produced a uniform Cu-BTC framework. The Cu-BTC-modified PVA fibers were then fabricated by electrospinning. The effect of the Cu-BTC and PVA concentration was investigated at 25 kV, a flow rate of 10 μl/min, and a working distance of 150 mm. FTIR spectra and FESEM images showed good dispersion of the Cu-BTC on the PVA fiber. The as-prepared Cu-BTC-modified PVA fibers exhibited excellent antibacterial effectiveness against S. aureus.