Biological and Physicochemical Characterization of Biodegradable Aliphatic Polyesters with Copper Deposited by...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Biotechnology
• Polymer Chemistry

Background:

• Biodegradable polymers reduce waste and support sustainability.
• Antimicrobial properties enhance the utility of biodegradable materials for packaging and medical uses.
• Copper offers a cost-effective alternative to other antimicrobial metals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To create biodegradable polymer compositions (PLA and PCL) with antimicrobial properties using copper.
• To evaluate the UV protection, aging effects, and biological impact of these copper-coated polymers.
• To assess the antimicrobial efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli.

Main Methods:

• Magnetron sputtering technique to apply copper to PLA and PCL.
• Microbiological property assessment.
• Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) determination.
• Analysis of thermo-oxidative and weathering aging effects on surface properties (color, wettability, surface energy, UV-Vis spectra).
• Evaluation of blood coagulation times (PT and aPTT).
• Antimicrobial testing against S. aureus and E. coli.

Main Results:

• PLA and PCL samples with copper achieved UPF > 50, indicating excellent UV protection.
• Aging processes altered the color and surface properties of the polymers due to copper oxidation.
• Copper-coated polymers demonstrated antimicrobial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.
• Preliminary biological evaluation showed no significant impact on blood coagulation pathways.

Conclusions:

• Copper-coated PLA and PCL are promising biodegradable materials with significant UV protection and antimicrobial capabilities.
• These materials show potential for applications requiring microbial resistance and UV stability, such as advanced packaging and biomedical devices.
• Further research is warranted to fully explore their biomedical relevance and long-term stability.