Hexagonal Boron Nitride Doped PVA Composite Nanofibers for Antimicrobial and Biocompatible Applications

ABSTRACT In this study, boron nitride nanoparticles (BNNPs) doped polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) composite nanofibers were fabricated cost‐effectively and straightforwardly using the electrospinning technique. The uniform PVA/BN composite nanofibers were measured as 376.26 ± 59.20 nm, observed through Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The presence of hexagonal boron nitride ( h ‐BNNPs) was confirmed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR) results indicated enhanced structural stability and the formation of new functional groups. Water absorption tests showed that the hydrophobic nature of BNNP is dominant. The degradation rate of the PVA/BN was found to be faster than PVA nanofibers. Antibacterial tests demonstrated that PVA/BN fibers exhibited inhibition zones against Escherichia coli (8.78 mm), Staphylococcus aureus (6.82 mm), and Candida albicans (21.54 mm). The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) results reinforced these findings, with PVA/BN fibers achieving an impressive inhibition rate of 89.56% against E. coli . Utilizing the MTT assay, biocompatibility tests indicated cell viability rates exceeding 98% for PVA/BN fibers, confirming their safety for biomedical applications. This study illustrates that PVA/BN composite nanofibers enhance their antimicrobial and hydrophilic properties, leading to multifunctional materials for advanced tissue engineering. Summary Electrospun PVA/BN composite nanofibers produced cost‐effectively and straightforwardly. SEM images indicated that the average diameter of PVA/BN composite nanofibers was 376.26 ± 59.20 nm. SEM and TEM analyses revealed a uniform dispersion of BNNPs within the composite nanofibers. FT‐IR confirmed the presence of strong chemical interactions and the formation of unique functional groups. XRD and TEM analyses validated the structural integrity of h ‐BN. PVA/BN fibers exhibited inhibition zones against Escherichia coli (8.78 mm), Staphylococcus aureus (6.82 mm), and Candida albicans (21.54 mm). MIC results showed that the BN‐doped composite nanofibers achieved an impressive inhibition rate of 89.56% against Escherichia coli . MTT assay (L929 fibroblast) indicated excellent biocompatibility, with over 98% cell viability rates. PVA/BN composite nanofibers show potential for advanced wound dressings and tissue engineering.