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
Affiliations
Thaís Larissa do Amaral Montanheiro
Plasma and Processes Laboratory, Technological Institute of Aeronautics, São José dos Campos 12228-900, SP, Brazil
Vanessa Modelski Schatkoski
Plasma and Processes Laboratory, Technological Institute of Aeronautics, São José dos Campos 12228-900, SP, Brazil
Denisse Esther Mallaupoma Camarena
Laboratory of Polymeric Biomaterials, Department of Fundamental Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, SP, Brazil
Thais Cardoso de Oliveira
Fundamental Sciences Division, Technological Institute of Aeronautics, São José dos Campos 12228-900, SP, Brazil
Diego Morais da Silva
Department of Environmental Engineering and Sciences, Oral Health Graduate Program, São José dos Campos Institute of Science and Technology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São José dos Campos 12245-000, SP, Brazil
Mariana Raquel da Cruz Vegian
Department of Environmental Engineering and Sciences, Oral Health Graduate Program, São José dos Campos Institute of Science and Technology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São José dos Campos 12245-000, SP, Brazil
Luiz Henrique Catalani
Laboratory of Polymeric Biomaterials, Department of Fundamental Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, SP, Brazil
Cristiane Yumi Koga-Ito
Department of Environmental Engineering and Sciences, Oral Health Graduate Program, São José dos Campos Institute of Science and Technology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São José dos Campos 12245-000, SP, Brazil
Gilmar Patrocínio Thim
Plasma and Processes Laboratory, Technological Institute of Aeronautics, São José dos Campos 12228-900, SP, Brazil
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.
