Functionalization of Photopolymer with Laser-Ablated Copper NPs: A Comprehensive Study of ROS Generation,...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Engineering
• Nanotechnology
• Polymer Science

Background:

• Device-related infections are a major challenge in healthcare.
• There is a need for advanced biomedical materials with both antimicrobial and biocompatible properties.
• Current materials often lack sufficient efficacy or safety for long-term implantation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and characterize novel composite materials for biomedical applications.
• To combine potent antimicrobial activity with high biocompatibility.
• To explore the use of laser-ablated copper nanoparticles (Cu NPs) in a photopolymer resin.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis and characterization of copper nanoparticles (Cu NPs) with specific size and morphology.
• Fabrication of composite materials using Masked Stereolithography (MSLA) with Cu NP-modified photopolymer resin.
• Evaluation of material strength, optical properties, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, antibacterial activity, and cytotoxicity.

Main Results:

• Synthesized Cu NPs were spherical with a 47 nm size and -33 mV zeta potential.
• MSLA fabrication yielded complex structures with high surface quality and optical transparency.
• Composite materials demonstrated increased strength, dose-dependent ROS formation, potent antibacterial activity against E. coli, and no cytotoxicity to human fibroblasts.

Conclusions:

• The developed composite materials effectively combine antimicrobial properties with high biocompatibility.
• These materials show significant promise for next-generation biomedical applications, including implantable devices and wound coatings.
• The findings support the potential of Cu NP-modified photopolymers for preventing infections and promoting healing.