Antibacterial and Cytotoxic Study of Hybrid Films Based on Polypropylene and NiO or NiFe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>4</sub> Nanoparticles
This study presents an in vitro analysis of the bactericidal and cytotoxic properties of hybrid films containing nickel oxide (NiO) and nickel ferrite (NiFe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>4</sub>) nanoparticles embedded in polypropylene (PP). The solvent casting method was used to synthesi...
| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2023-12-01
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| Series: | International Journal of Molecular Sciences |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/24/23/17052 |
| Summary: | This study presents an in vitro analysis of the bactericidal and cytotoxic properties of hybrid films containing nickel oxide (NiO) and nickel ferrite (NiFe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>4</sub>) nanoparticles embedded in polypropylene (PP). The solvent casting method was used to synthesize films of PP, PP@NiO, and PP@NiFe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>4</sub>, which were characterized by different spectroscopic and microscopic techniques. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns confirmed that the small crystallite sizes of NiO and NiFe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>4</sub> NPs were maintained even after they were incorporated into the PP matrix. From the Raman scattering spectroscopy data, it was evident that there was a significant interaction between the NPs and the PP matrix. Additionally, the Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis revealed a homogeneous dispersion of NiO and NiFe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>4</sub> NPs throughout the PP matrix. The incorporation of the NPs was observed to alter the surface roughness of the films; this behavior was studied by atomic force microscopy (AFM). The antibacterial properties of all films were evaluated against <i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</i> (ATCC<sup>®</sup>: 43636™) and <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> (ATCC<sup>®</sup>: 23235™), two opportunistic and nosocomial pathogens. The PP@NiO and PP@ NiFe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>4</sub> films showed over 90% bacterial growth inhibition for both strains. Additionally, the effects of the films on human skin cells, such as epidermal keratinocytes and dermal fibroblasts, were evaluated for cytotoxicity. The PP, PP@NiO, and PP@NiFe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>4</sub> films were nontoxic to human keratinocytes. Furthermore, compared to the PP film, improved biocompatibility of the PP@NiFe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>4</sub> film with human fibroblasts was observed. The methodology utilized in this study allows for the production of hybrid films that can inhibit the growth of Gram-positive bacteria, such as <i>S. aureus</i>, and Gram-negative bacteria, such as <i>P. aeruginosa</i>. These films have potential as coating materials to prevent bacterial proliferation on surfaces. |
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| ISSN: | 1661-6596 1422-0067 |