Biocompatible nanocomposites based on polyurethane networks and mesoporous silica nanoparticles for application as antimicrobial coatings for medical devices and implants

Project aim: synthesis and characterization of nanocomposites consisting of cross-linked polyurethanes and mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) or porous silicon nanoparticles (pSiNps) for application as antimicrobial coatings on biomedical devices and implants.

 

About the project: Bacterial infections from medical devices or implants are an increasing problem as a result of more widespread bacterial resistance caused by overuse of antibiotics, which can lead to contamination of medical devices and implants and to fatal patient outcomes. However, such bacterial contamination can be reduced by using appropriate materials to coat the surfaces of medical devices. Polyurethane Nanocomposites (PUN), with excellent mechanical properties and biocompatibility, are good candidates for use as antibacterial coatings on medical devices and implants. Also, mesoporous silicate nanoparticles (MSNs) and Mesoporous Silicon Nanoparticles (pSiNps) have specific properties, such as good biocompatibility, large specific surface area, uniform pore size distribution, ability for variously surface functionalization, excellent thermal stability and strength, meaning they are useful as controlled therapeutic molecule delivery systems

PUNs based on MSNs or pSiNps will include combinations of different antimicrobials, isolated from plants, to achieve effective and safe protection against bacterial infections. Also, in order to increase biocompatibility of films and minimize the occurrence of thromboembolic events after biomaterial implantation, the surface structure of these materials will be designed to decrease protein adsorption and to have weak cell adhesivity, i.e., to minimize blood coagulation.