학술논문
Gamma Radiation-Mediated Synthesis of Antimicrobial Polyurethane Foam/Silver Nanoparticles.
Document Type
Academic Journal
Author
Lungulescu EM; National Institute for Research and Development in Electrical Engineering ICPE-CA, 313 Splaiul Unirii, 030138 Bucharest, Romania.; Fierascu RC; National Institute for Research & Development in Chemistry and Petrochemistry-ICECHIM, 202 Spl. Independentei, 060021 Bucharest, Romania.; Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, National University of Science and Technology Politehnica Bucharest, 1-7 Gh. Polizu Str., 011061 Bucharest, Romania.; Stan MS; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 91-95 Splaiul Independentei, 050095 Bucharest, Romania.; Fierascu I; National Institute for Research & Development in Chemistry and Petrochemistry-ICECHIM, 202 Spl. Independentei, 060021 Bucharest, Romania.; Faculty of Horticulture, University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest, 59 Marasti Blvd., 011464 Bucharest, Romania.; Radoi EA; National Institute for Research and Development in Electrical Engineering ICPE-CA, 313 Splaiul Unirii, 030138 Bucharest, Romania.; Banciu CA; National Institute for Research and Development in Electrical Engineering ICPE-CA, 313 Splaiul Unirii, 030138 Bucharest, Romania.; Gabor RA; National Institute for Research & Development in Chemistry and Petrochemistry-ICECHIM, 202 Spl. Independentei, 060021 Bucharest, Romania.; Fistos T; National Institute for Research & Development in Chemistry and Petrochemistry-ICECHIM, 202 Spl. Independentei, 060021 Bucharest, Romania.; Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, National University of Science and Technology Politehnica Bucharest, 1-7 Gh. Polizu Str., 011061 Bucharest, Romania.; Marutescu L; Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 91-95 Splaiul Independentei, 050095 Bucharest, Romania.; Popa M; Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 91-95 Splaiul Independentei, 050095 Bucharest, Romania.; Voinea IC; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 91-95 Splaiul Independentei, 050095 Bucharest, Romania.; Voicu SN; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 91-95 Splaiul Independentei, 050095 Bucharest, Romania.; Nicula NO; National Institute for Research and Development in Electrical Engineering ICPE-CA, 313 Splaiul Unirii, 030138 Bucharest, Romania.
Source
Publisher: MDPI Country of Publication: Switzerland NLM ID: 101545357 Publication Model: Electronic Cited Medium: Internet ISSN: 2073-4360 (Electronic) Linking ISSN: 20734360 NLM ISO Abbreviation: Polymers (Basel) Subsets: PubMed not MEDLINE
Subject
Language
English
Abstract
Nosocomial infections represent a major threat within healthcare systems worldwide, underscoring the critical need for materials with antimicrobial properties. This study presents the development of polyurethane foam embedded with silver nanoparticles (PUF/AgNPs) using a rapid, eco-friendly, in situ radiochemical synthesis method. The nanocomposites were characterized by UV-vis and FTIR spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray technique (SEM/EDX), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), tensile and compression strengths, antimicrobial activity, and foam toxicity tests. The resulting PUF/AgNPs demonstrated prolonged stability (over 12 months) and good dispersion of AgNPs. Also, the samples presented higher levels of hardness compared to samples without AgNPs (deformation of 1682 µm for V1 vs. 4307 µm for V0, under a 5 N force), tensile and compression strength of 1.80 MPa and 0.34 Mpa, respectively. Importantly, they exhibited potent antimicrobial activity against a broad range of bacteria (including Pseudomonas aeruginosa , Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli , and Enterococcus faecalis ) and a fungal mixture (no fungal growth on the sample surface was observed after 28 days of exposure). Furthermore, these materials were non-toxic to human keratinocytes, which kept their specific morphology after 24 h of incubation, highlighting their potential for safe use in biomedical applications. We envision promising applications for PUF/AgNPs in hospital bed mattresses and antimicrobial mats, offering a practical strategy to reduce nosocomial infections and enhance patient safety within healthcare facilities.