Multifunctional Bioactive Nanofibers: Harnessing Metallophthalocyanines for Superior Antimicrobial and Photodynamic Therapy

Abstract

The development of advanced antimicrobial materials is crucial in the fight against multidrug-resistant infections. Herein, electrospun poly(acrylonitrile-co-vinyl acetate) (PAN) nanofibers functionalized with metallophthalocyanines (ZnPc or MgPc) were developed for multifunctional biomedical applications. Thorough characterization (UV-Vis, FTIR, FE-SEM, EDX, thermal analysis) validated the effective inclusion of phthalocyanine, demonstrating smooth, homogeneous fibers with uniform component distribution and elevated thermal stability. The functionalized nanofibers (MgPc/PAN and ZnPc/PAN) demonstrated markedly superior biological activity relative to pure PAN. They exhibited enhanced amylolytic activity, with MgPc/PAN achieving 130.30% efficiency at 12.5%-25% concentrations; however, higher concentrations resulted in inhibition, indicating dual functionality. Complete DNA cleavage was seen at concentrations of 100-200 mg/L for all metal-containing fibers, in contrast to inert pure PAN. Antimicrobial studies demonstrated significant, broad-spectrum efficacy against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria as well as fungi, with MICs ranging from 128 to 256 mg/L, while pure PAN exhibited inactivity (MIC >2048 mg/L). Biofilm inhibition surpassed 75% against S. aureus and P. aeruginosa at a concentration of 200 mg/L. In photodynamic treatment conditions, ZnPc/PAN and MgPc/PAN achieved microbiological viability suppression rates of 91.46% and 81.77%, respectively, demonstrating significant dose-dependent photodynamic antibacterial effectiveness. These nanocomposites possess potential for biomedical applications, including wound healing, infection control, and PDT.