C (Mar 2024)

Evaluating the Cytotoxicity of Functionalized MWCNT and Microbial Biofilm Formation on PHBV Composites

  • Thaís Larissa do Amaral Montanheiro,
  • Vanessa Modelski Schatkoski,
  • Denisse Esther Mallaupoma Camarena,
  • Thais Cardoso de Oliveira,
  • Diego Morais da Silva,
  • Mariana Raquel da Cruz Vegian,
  • Luiz Henrique Catalani,
  • Cristiane Yumi Koga-Ito,
  • Gilmar Patrocínio Thim

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/c10020033
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 10, no. 2
p. 33

Abstract

Read online

This study focuses on the cytotoxic evaluation of functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) and microbial biofilm formation on poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) nanocomposites incorporating MWCNTs functionalized with gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and carboxyl groups. The materials were characterized for cytotoxicity to fibroblasts and antimicrobial effects against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans. The functionalization of MWCNTs was performed through oxidation (CNT-Ox) and GABA attachment (CNT-GB). The PHBV/CNT nanocomposites were produced via melt mixing. All MWCNT suspensions showed non-toxic behaviors after 24 h of incubation (viability higher than 70%); however, prolonged incubation and higher concentrations led to increased cytotoxicity. The antibacterial potential of PHBV/CNT nanocomposites against S. aureus showed a reduction in biofilm formation of 64% for PHBV/CNT-GB and 20% for PHBV/CNT-Ox, compared to neat PHBV. Against C. albicans, no reduction was observed. The results indicate promising applications for PHBV/CNT nanocomposites in managing bacterial infections, with GABA-functionalized CNTs showing enhanced performance.

Keywords