In this study we aimed to fabricate a new class of titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanofibers containing silver (Ag) nanoparticles (NPs) by an electrospinning process. A simple method not depending on additional foreign chemicals has been employed to self synthesize the silver NPs in/on TiO2 nanofibers. Syntheses of silver NPs was carried out by exploiting the simultaneous reduction ability of N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) and by calcinations at high temperatures for the decomposition of a silver nitrate precursor into silver NPs. Typically, a sol-gel consisting of AgNO3/(Ti(Iso) and PVAc as a binder has been electrospun and calcined at a temperature of 600 degrees C, so, silver NPs have been created in/on TiO2 nanofibers. FE-SEM and TEM results confirmed well-oriented nanofibers and a good dispersion of pure silver NPs. Typically, silver NPs had a diameter in the range of 5 to 10 nm. XRD results demonstrated well crystalline features of TiO2 and silver NPs. The surface analysis of nanofibers was done by XPS which indicated the presence of silver NPs on the surfaces of nanofibers. A model microorganism Enterococcus faecalis has been used to check the antimicrobial efficacy of these nanofiber mats. Subsequently, antimicrobial tests have indicated that the nanofibers prepared do posses a high bactericidal effect. Accordingly, these results strongly recommend the use of the nanofiber mats obtained as future implants with good antimicrobial activities.

Keywords: Electrospinning; Nanofibers; Silver Nanoparticles; Antimicrobial; Zones of inhibition; Morphological changes