Unveiling Antimicrobial Properties and Crystallization Induction in PLA Using α-Ag₂WO₄ Nanoparticles

Autor(es)

Onue, Leticia A. ; Ribeiro, Lara K. ; Goncalves, Mariana O. ; Longo, Elson ; de Sousa, Cristina Paiva ; Assis, Marcelo ; Cruz, Sandra A.

• Tipo de documento: Artigo Científico
• Fonte: ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS; v. 6, n. 6, p. 10-pg., 2024-03-12.

Resumo

In this study, alpha-Ag2WO4 nanoparticles were synthesized and then immobilized within the poly(lactic acid) (PLA) matrix at varying concentrations (0.5, 1.0, and 3.0%). X-ray diffraction revealed the successful incorporation of alpha-Ag2WO4 nanoparticles into the PLA matrix without the presence of undesired phases. Furthermore, crystallinity results indicated that the particles did not have the potential to act as nucleating agents under quiescent conditions, but induction in crystallization was observed under nonquiescent conditions. Rheology analysis demonstrated an increase in complex viscosity values for all samples containing alpha-Ag2WO4 when compared to those of the pure polymer, indicating good dispersion and distribution. The antimicrobial activity of the composites was particularly effective against Escherichia coli and at higher concentrations for Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans after 16 h of contact. The antimicrobial efficiency was associated with the ability of alpha-Ag2WO4 to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the ionic release of Ag+, causing irreversible damage to the membranes of these microorganisms. This type of study sheds light on the development of PLA platforms with potential antimicrobial activity and increased crystallization capacity under the employed processing conditions. (AU)

• Processo FAPESP: 13/07296-2 - CDMF - Centro de Desenvolvimento de Materiais Funcionais
• Beneficiário: Elson Longo da Silva
• Modalidade de apoio: Auxílio à Pesquisa - Centros de Pesquisa, Inovação e Difusão - CEPIDs
• Processo FAPESP: 16/13423-5 - Compostos produzidos por microrganismos endofíticos isolados de plantas do cerrado: bioatividade, associação com a-Ag2WO4 e aplicações biotecnológicas
• Beneficiário: Cristina Paiva de Sousa
• Modalidade de apoio: Auxílio à Pesquisa - Regular
• Processo FAPESP: 16/25703-2 - Polipropileno reciclado para contato com alimento: emprego de filmes de a-C:H depositados por plasma e degradação na presença de contaminantes
• Beneficiário: Sandra Andrea Cruz
• Modalidade de apoio: Auxílio à Pesquisa - Regular