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Evaluation of Antimicrobial Activities of Nanoparticles and Nanostructured Surfaces In Vitro
Published on: April 21, 2023
Antimicrobial and Biocompatible Polycaprolactone and Copper Oxide Nanoparticle Wound Dressings against
Jennifer Balcucho1, Diana M Narváez2, Jinneth Lorena Castro-Mayorga1
1Nanotechnology and Applied Microbiology Research Group (NANOBIOT), Department of Biological Sciences, University of the Andes, Bogotá 111711, Colombia.
Abstract:
One of the major health problems linked to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is severe diabetic foot ulcers (DFU), which are associated with hospital-acquired infections, lower limb amputations and emerging resistance to the current antibiotics. As an alternative, this work aims to develop a biodegradable and biocompatible material with antimicrobial capacity to prevent DFU. This was achieved by producing active polymeric films with metallic nanoparticles dispersed through a polycaprolactone (PCL) dressing. First, the antimicrobial activity of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuONPs) was tested by the microdilution method, selecting the lowest concentration that has an inhibitory effect on MRSA. Then, active PCL films were prepared and characterized in terms of their physicochemical properties, antimicrobial performance, cytotoxicity, genotoxicity and hemocompatibility. Active films had chemical and thermal properties like the ones without the antimicrobial agents, which was confirmed through FTIR, Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) analysis. In relation to antimicrobial activity, active PCL films inhibited MRSA growth when treated with CuONPs at a concentration of 0.07% (w/w). After exposure to the active film extracts, human foreskin fibroblast cells (ATCC® SCRC1041™) (HFF-1) exhibited a cell viability average above 80% for all treatments and no DNA damage was found. Finally, PCL films with 0.07% (w/w) CuONPs proved to be hemocompatible, and none of the films evaluated had red blood cell breakage greater than 5%, being within the acceptable limits established by the International Organization for Standardization ISO 10993-4:2002.
Insights
This study developed biodegradable polycaprolactone films with copper oxide nanoparticles to combat methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in diabetic foot ulcers. The novel material effectively inhibited MRSA growth while remaining biocompatible and safe for human cells.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Infectious Disease Research
Background:
- Diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) present a significant health challenge, often complicated by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections.
- MRSA infections in DFU lead to severe outcomes, including hospitalizations, amputations, and antibiotic resistance.
- Current treatments for DFU are limited by emerging antibiotic resistance, necessitating novel therapeutic strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a biodegradable and biocompatible polymeric film with antimicrobial properties to prevent DFU.
- To create an advanced wound dressing using polycaprolactone (PCL) and copper oxide nanoparticles (CuONPs).
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the developed material against MRSA and for tissue compatibility.
Main Methods:
- Copper oxide nanoparticles (CuONPs) were synthesized and their antimicrobial activity against MRSA was determined using microdilution assays.
- Active polymeric films were fabricated by incorporating CuONPs into a polycaprolactone (PCL) matrix.
- Physicochemical properties, antimicrobial efficacy, cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, and hemocompatibility of the active PCL films were assessed.
Main Results:
- Active PCL films exhibited similar chemical and thermal properties to pristine PCL films, confirmed by FTIR, TGA, and DSC.
- A concentration of 0.07% (w/w) CuONPs in PCL films effectively inhibited MRSA growth.
- Human foreskin fibroblast cells (HFF-1) showed over 80% viability after exposure to active film extracts, with no DNA damage detected.
- The PCL films with 0.07% (w/w) CuONPs demonstrated hemocompatibility, with red blood cell breakage below the ISO 10993-4:2002 limit.
Conclusions:
- Biodegradable PCL films incorporating CuONPs represent a promising strategy for preventing MRSA infections in DFU.
- The developed active films are biocompatible, non-cytotoxic, non-genotoxic, and hemocompatible.
- This novel biomaterial offers a safe and effective alternative to conventional treatments for DFU management.
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