Antibacterial and non-cytotoxic effect of nanocomposites based in polyethylene and copper nanoparticles

• Published in: Journal of materials science. Materials in medicine Vol. 26; no. 3; p. 129
• Main Authors: Tamayo, L. A., Zapata, P. A., Rabagliati, F. M., Azócar, M. I., Muñoz, L. A., Zhou, X., Thompson, G. E., Páez, M. A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Boston Springer US 01.03.2015; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Anti-Bacterial Agents - chemistry; Anti-Bacterial Agents - pharmacology; Biocompatibility Studies; Biomaterials; Biomedical Engineering and Bioengineering; Biomedical materials; Cell Line, Tumor; Ceramics; Chemistry and Materials Science; Composites; Copper; Copper - chemistry; Escherichia coli - drug effects; Glass; Humans; Materials Science; Metal Nanoparticles - chemistry; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; Microscopy, Electron, Transmission; Nanocomposites; Nanoparticles; Natural Materials; Polyethylene; Polyethylene - chemistry; Polymer Sciences; Polymerization; Regenerative Medicine/Tissue Engineering; Studies; Surfaces and Interfaces; Thin Films; Cytoplasmic Material; Sodium Borohydride; Listeria Monocytogenes; Human Neuroblastoma Cell; Copper Nanoparticles
• ISSN: 0957-4530; 1573-4838
• DOI: 10.1007/s10856-015-5475-6

In this study, an antibacterial, but not cytotoxic nanomaterial based on polyethylene and copper nanoparticles was prepared by in situ polymerization. PE–CuNps nanocomposites against Escherichia coli , completely suppressed the number of live bacteria after 12 h incubation compared to neat PE. TEM images showed that nanocomposites damage the plasma membrane of the bacteria, revealing a bacteriolytic effect. Toxic effects of copper nanoparticles on viability of neuroblastoma line cell also was evaluated, revealing a non cytotoxic effect for the doses used, showing that this nanocomposite is a ideal material for medical devices. Graphical Abstract