Development and Characterisation of Biodegradable Polymeric Composites Enhanced with Nanoparticles for Antimicrobial...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Polymer composites are increasingly explored for antimicrobial applications.
• Metallic nanoparticles offer potent antimicrobial properties.
• Developing effective materials to combat pathogenic bacteria is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of Silver (Ag)+PLA, Nickel (Ni)+PLA, Copper (Cu)+PLA, and Copper Oxide (CuO)+PLA composites.
• To investigate the impact of nanoparticle integration on the thermal and morphological properties of PLA composites.
• To assess the potential of these composites in reducing hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) and combating drug-resistant organisms.

Main Methods:

• Polymeric composites were fabricated using injection moulding.
• Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS) were employed for surface and elemental analysis.
• Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) were used to determine thermal characteristics.
• Antimicrobial efficacy was tested against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains.

Main Results:

• SEM and EDS confirmed metal dispersion and surface roughness, influencing antimicrobial activity.
• TGA and DSC indicated enhanced thermal stability and crystallization properties due to nanoparticle integration.
• All four composites exhibited high antimicrobial efficacy, with bacterial reduction rates up to 98% against tested strains.
• Ni+PLA and Ag+PLA composites showed slightly lower efficacy (97%) against specific strains (Enterococcus faecalis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa).

Conclusions:

• Metallic nanoparticle PLA composites demonstrate significant antimicrobial potential.
• Nanoparticle integration enhances the thermal properties of PLA.
• These materials show promise for reducing HAIs and combating drug-resistant bacteria in healthcare settings.