Effects of UV irradiation on the thermal and mechanical properties of PLLA-films doped with metal nanoparticles

Abstract

To investigate the effects of metal ions which can be released intentionally or unintentionally by various types of implants in the human body on cells and tissue in vitro a system is required to control the release of metal ions. Since even low concentrations can have an impact on biological systems, a correspondingly slow release over a defined period of time is necessary. This study describes a method for manufacturing polymeric Poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) films with embedded silver and copper nanoparticles by dip coating. In order to test the composites for in vivo research purposes, they are irradiated with UV light for sterilization purposes. Subsequently, the thermal (DSC, TGA) and mechanical (uniaxial tensile test) properties are described in comparison to pure PLLA films, and the measured values between nonirradiated and UV-irradiated samples are compared. In contrast to the thermal analyses, significant differences in mechanical properties were observed between the nonirradiated and UV-irradiated samples.