Antimicrobial Activity of Starch Hydrogel Incorporated with Copper Nanoparticles.
In order to obtain an antimicrobial gel, a starch-based hydrogel reinforced with silica-coated copper nanoparticles (Cu NPs) was developed. Cu NPs were synthesized by use of a copper salt and hydrazine as a reducing agent. In order to enhance Cu NP stability over time, they were synthesized in a starch medium followed by a silica coating. The starch hydrogel was prepared by use of urea and water as plasticizers and it was treated with different concentrations of silica-coated copper nanoparticles (Si-Cu NPs). The obtained materials were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and rheometry. FT-IR and EPR spectra were used for characterization of Cu NPs and Si-Cu NPs, confirming that a starch cap was formed around the Cu NP and demonstrating the stability of the copper nanoparticle after the silica coating step. SEM images showed Cu NP, Si-Cu NP, and hydrogel morphology. The particle size was polydisperse and the structure of the gels changed along with particle concentration. Increased NP content led to larger pores in starch structure. These results were in accordance with the rheological behavior, where reinforcement by the Si-Cu NP was seen. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated against Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) and Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) bacterial species. The hydrogels were demonstrated to maintain antimicrobial activity for at least four cycles of use. A dermal acute toxicity test showed that the material could be scored as slightly irritant, proving its biocompatibility. With these advantages, it is believed that the designed Si-Cu NP loaded hydrogel may show high potential for applications in various clinical fields, such as wound dressings and fillers.
Cátedra de Química Analítica Instrumental, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires , Junín 956, C1113AAD Buenos Aires, Argentina.|Instituto de Química y Metabolismo del Fármaco, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires and Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas , Junín 956, C1113AAD Buenos Aires, Argentina.
María Emilia
ME
Villanueva
Cátedra de Química Analítica Instrumental, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires , Junín 956, C1113AAD Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Ana María Del Rosario
AM
Diez
Cátedra de Química Analítica Instrumental, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires , Junín 956, C1113AAD Buenos Aires, Argentina.|Instituto de Química y Metabolismo del Fármaco, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires and Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas , Junín 956, C1113AAD Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Joaquín Antonio
JA
González
Instituto en Investigaciones en Ciencia y Tecnologías de Materiales, Universidad de Mar del Plata and Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas , Juan B. Justo 4302, CP7600 Mar del Plata, Argentina.
Claudio Javier
CJ
Pérez
Cátedra de Física, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires , Junín 956, C1113AAD Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Manuel
M
Orrego
Cátedra de Física, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires , Junín 956, C1113AAD Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Lidia
L
Piehl
Cátedra de Microbiología, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires , Junín 956, C1113AAD Buenos Aires, Argentina.|Proanalisis SA , Ángel Carranza 1941/7, C1414COW Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Sergio
S
Teves
Cátedra de Química Analítica Instrumental, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires , Junín 956, C1113AAD Buenos Aires, Argentina.|Instituto de Química y Metabolismo del Fármaco, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires and Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas , Junín 956, C1113AAD Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Guillermo Javier
GJ
Copello
D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001419:Bacteria / Q000187:drug effects*; D003300:Copper / Q000737:chemistry*; D020100:Hydrogels / Q000737:chemistry*; D053768:Metal Nanoparticles / Q000737:chemistry*; D017550:Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared; D013213:Starch / Q000737:chemistry*
D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D020100:Hydrogels; D003300:Copper; D013213:Starch
antimicrobial material; copper nanoparticles; reinforcement; starch hydrogel; wound dressing