Embedding laser-generated nanoparticles into bioactive polymers for medical devices

Abstract

Antibacterial metal nanoparticles embedded in polymeric matrices may prevent infections related to medical devices. Pure metal nanoparticles were generated by laser ablation in liquid. It has been shown that this method gives access to polymeric nanocomposites with homogeneously dispersed non-agglomerated metal nanoparticles embedded in polymer matrices. The produced nanocomposites were converted into test pieces, suitable for ion release studies and biological testing. The ion release of the test pieces in water depends on the mass ratio of embedded nanoparticles. Tympanostomy tubes, made of silicone-silver-nanocomposite, were produced by injection moulding as a prototype for a medical device.Antibacterial metal nanoparticles embedded in polymeric matrices may prevent infections related to medical devices. Pure metal nanoparticles were generated by laser ablation in liquid. It has been shown that this method gives access to polymeric nanocomposites with homogeneously dispersed non-agglomerated metal nanoparticles embedded in polymer matrices. The produced nanocomposites were converted into test pieces, suitable for ion release studies and biological testing. The ion release of the test pieces in water depends on the mass ratio of embedded nanoparticles. Tympanostomy tubes, made of silicone-silver-nanocomposite, were produced by injection moulding as a prototype for a medical device.