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Carbon nanotube incorporation in PMMA to prevent microbial adhesion

Kyoung-Im Kim1, Dong-Ae Kim1,2,3, Kapil D Patel2,4,5

  • 1Department of Biomaterials Science, School of Dentistry, Dankook University, Cheonan, 31116, South Korea.

Scientific Reports
|March 22, 2019
PubMed

Insights

This study integrates carboxylated carbon nanotubes (CNTs) into poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) to create drug-free antimicrobial biomaterials. The new CNT-PMMA composite effectively prevents microbial adhesion without harming oral cells, offering a promising solution for preventing infections.

Area of Science:

  • Biomaterials Science
  • Nanotechnology
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) is widely used in clinics but suffers from poor antimicrobial properties, leading to infections.
  • Microbial adhesion to biomaterials is a significant clinical challenge, often necessitating drug-based interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop drug-free antimicrobial adhesion properties in PMMA by incorporating carboxylated multiwalled carbon nanotubes (CNTs).
  • To evaluate the anti-adhesive effects of CNT-PMMA composites against common oral microbes.
  • To assess the mechanical and surface property changes in PMMA with CNT incorporation.

Main Methods:

  • Fabrication and incorporation of carboxylated multiwalled CNTs into PMMA.
  • Characterization of mechanical and surface properties (roughness, water contact angle) of the composites.
  • Assessment of anti-adhesive effects against Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus mutans, and Candida albicans using metabolic activity assays and cell staining.
  • Evaluation of cytotoxicity to oral keratinocytes.

Main Results:

  • PMMA composites with 1-2% CNTs showed enhanced fracture work, though other mechanical properties decreased with higher CNT content.
  • Surface roughness and water contact angle increased with CNT incorporation.
  • The 1% CNT group exhibited significant anti-adhesive effects (35-95%) against three oral microbial species without cytotoxicity.

Conclusions:

  • Carboxylated CNTs in PMMA create drug-free antimicrobial adhesion properties by disrupting microbial chain formation.
  • The CNT-PMMA composite shows potential as an effective antimicrobial biomaterial for clinical applications, preventing microbial complications.
  • This approach offers a promising alternative to drug-eluting materials for combating biomaterial-associated infections.

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