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Antibacterial and non-cytotoxic effect of nanocomposites based in polyethylene and copper nanoparticles

  • Biocompatibility Studies
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Abstract

In this study, an antibacterial, but not cytotoxic nanomaterial based on polyethylene and copper nanoparticles was prepared by in situ polymerization. PE–CuNps nanocomposites against Escherichia coli, completely suppressed the number of live bacteria after 12 h incubation compared to neat PE. TEM images showed that nanocomposites damage the plasma membrane of the bacteria, revealing a bacteriolytic effect. Toxic effects of copper nanoparticles on viability of neuroblastoma line cell also was evaluated, revealing a non cytotoxic effect for the doses used, showing that this nanocomposite is a ideal material for medical devices.

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Acknowledgments

L.T. acknowledges financial support from Fondecyt for postdoctoral Project (Grant 3140099). M. A. Páez and M. I. Azócar are grateful to CONICYT (Project 79090024). The authors also wish to thank the UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council for provision of financial support for the LATEST2 Programme Grant. P. A Zapata and Franco M. Rabagliati acknowledge the financial support of CONICYT under insertion Project 79100010.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Departamento de Química de los Materiales, Facultad de Química y Biología, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Av. L. B. O`Higgins 3363, Casilla 40, Correo 33, Santiago, Chile

    L. A. Tamayo, M. I. Azócar & M. A. Páez

  2. Grupo Polímeros, Facultad de Química y Biología, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, USACH, Casilla 40, Correo 33, Santiago, Chile

    P. A. Zapata, F. M. Rabagliati & L. A. Muñoz

  3. Corrosion and Protection Centre, School of Materials, The University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK

    X. Zhou & G. E. Thompson

Authors
  1. L. A. Tamayo
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  2. P. A. Zapata
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  3. F. M. Rabagliati
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  4. M. I. Azócar
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  5. L. A. Muñoz
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  6. X. Zhou
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  7. G. E. Thompson
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  8. M. A. Páez
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Correspondence to L. A. Tamayo.

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Tamayo, L.A., Zapata, P.A., Rabagliati, F.M. et al. Antibacterial and non-cytotoxic effect of nanocomposites based in polyethylene and copper nanoparticles. J Mater Sci: Mater Med 26, 129 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10856-015-5475-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10856-015-5475-6

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