Antimicrobial biomaterials based on carbon nanotubes dispersed in poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid).
Biomaterials that inactivate microbes are needed to eliminate medical device infections. We investigate here the antimicrobial nature of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) incorporated within the biomedical polymer poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA). We find Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus epidermidis viability and metabolic activity to be significantly diminished in the presence of SWNT-PLGA, and to correlate with SWNT length and concentration (<2% by weight). Up to 98% of bacteria die within one hour on SWNT-PLGA versus 15-20% on pure PLGA. Shorter SWNTs are more toxic, possibly due to increased density of open tube ends. This study demonstrates the potential usefulness of SWNT-PLGA as an antimicrobial biomaterial.
Aslan
Seyma
S
Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
Loebick
Codruta Zoican
CZ
Kang
Seoktae
S
Elimelech
Menachem
M
Pfefferle
Lisa D
LD
Van Tassel
Paul R
PR
D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000494:pharmacology; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000494:pharmacology; D004926:Escherichia coli / Q000187:drug effects; D019344:Lactic Acid / Q000737:chemistry*; D037742:Nanotubes, Carbon / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D011100:Polyglycolic Acid / Q000737:chemistry*; D000077182:Polylactic Acid-Polyglycolic Acid Copolymer; D013212:Staphylococcus epidermidis / Q000187:drug effects
D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D037742:Nanotubes, Carbon; D000077182:Polylactic Acid-Polyglycolic Acid Copolymer; D011100:Polyglycolic Acid; D019344:Lactic Acid