PLASMAMED
New generation of coatings with antibacterial activity
This project consists of the development of a new generation of coatings containing nanoparticles (NPs) and enzymes, with controllable antibacterial activity, through the deposition assisted by dielectric barrier discharge plasma (DBD) at atmospheric pressure, for application in medical textiles. The release of ions from the NPs and the activity of the immobilized enzymes will be adjusted using a polymeric “sandwich” coating structure, obtained by aerosol injection, with the first layer of antibacterial nanocomposite covered by a second thicker layer of a polymer, in order to obtain the desired modulable antibacterial effect. The main advantage of this method is its ability to continuously produce coatings with strong adhesion, high deposition rate and a precise release of antibacterial agent.
Main goals
The specific objectives of the project are:
1. The use of nanoparticles with antimicrobial activity and antibiofilm enzymes of proven efficacy;
2. Assembling of the colloidal sol-gel modified NPs with the selected enzymes eventually using spacers and/or stabilizers;
3. The atmospheric plasma assisted deposition of the bionanocomposite via controllable and tunable coatings barriers based on safe polymers onto commercial dressing for pressure injury and hernia meshes;
4. Study the physico-chemical mechanism of hybrid nanoparticle deposition, the effectivity of nanocoating in antimicrobial activity and the precise control of plasma conditions;
5. Fully morphological, physico-chemical and thermo-mechanical characterization of the fabrics;
6. Test the antimicrobial properties and cytotoxicity of the new hybrid NPs-based medical textiles with special attention to pH imbalance.
Project number: PTDC/CTM-TEX/28295/2017
Project type: Scientific Research and Technological Development Projects (IC&DT)
Project Duration: July 2018 to July 2021
Eligible Cost: 225 826.45 €
European Union Funding: FEDER/FNR – 191 952.48 € e OE – 33 873.97 €
Intervention Region: North of Portugal
Promotor: 2C2T e CENTITVC
Results
Various parameters have been studied by the different entities that comprise this project, including the plasma discharge power, the type and size of the NPs, the class and concentration of enzyme, the type of carrier gas, the polymer, precursor, substrate and even their washing procedure. Some characterization tests are being considered in the process of optimizing the desired conditions, in order to corroborate the choices made to advance the development of the project. As a result, we intend to obtain dressings for use in pressure injuries and hernia networks.
Related Items
Project video – see here